NSW Police have moved to emphasise the unique risks of driving in country areas after seven people died on rural roads on Sunday and Monday.
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The appeal comes just over a week after a 17-year-old lost his life on the Mitchell Highway between Nevertire and Trangie.
Provisional crash data indicates 201 lives have been lost on NSW roads this year.
On Monday, a truck and car collided on the Braidwood Road (Yerriyong) resulting in a fatality, while a pedestrian died after a crash involving a truck on the Pacific Highway (Karuah).
Earlier incidents saw an 18-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman die after a crash between two vehicles on the Sturt Highway (Yerriyong). Two others were air-lifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
A 19-year-old woman died after a crash on the Werris Creek Road (Tamworth), where the vehicle left the road crashing into a tree.
A 52-year-old man died after his vehicle left the road (Tumut).
A 17-year-old learner motorcycle rider died after a crash on the M1 Motorway (Cameron Park).
These events take the rural road toll to 152, compared to 49 in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said crashes on rural roads were a tragic reminder of the risks.
“There have been 12 crashes this year resulting in multiple lives being lost in regional areas. This compares to 11 similar crashes for this time last year,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“There have been six crashes of this kind within the Sydney metropolitan area.
“To have seven lives lost since Sunday (16 July, 2017), two of those in the same crash, highlights the need for all road users to drive, ride, cycle, and walk to the conditions.”
While the matters were still under investigation, Assistant Commissioner Corboy said the crashes had likely been caused by speed, people driving while tired, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or driving distracted by such things as a mobile phone.
“These are the risks that continue to be an issue for all road users,” he said.
“Now is the time for those on our roads to be fully responsible by sticking to the speed limit, wearing a seat belt, driving to the conditions, being fit and able to drive, and not becoming distracted.
“By adhering to a few simple steps, road users can help us to drive down the road toll on NSW roads.”