About 9.30am on Sunday 17 December, an 18-year-old Bourke man was driving a Toyota Landcruiser north on Arthur Hall VC Way, Coolabah, when the vehicle left the road and rolled several times.

A passing motorist contacted emergency services and the driver was airlifted from the scene; however, he died en route to hospital.

Nyngan police officer Sergeant Tony Wood said that while police investigations were still ongoing, they believed fatigue was a factor.

It is not believed the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or that speed was a factor.

Sergeant Wood said the young man was well-known in the western region, and it was a heart-wrenching loss so close to Christmas.

“At any time of year it hits police really hard, we have to interact with family members who are experiencing the worst day of their lives,” he said.

“A lot of police take that home with them, that this was someone’s son. All of the police who attended have been deeply affected by the tragedy.”

The loss was one of five fatalities on the state’s roads on the opening weekend of Operation Safe Arrival, NSW Police’s annual Christmas and New Year road safety campaign.

​“Many people are heading off for their holidays on what could be their longest drive for the year, on roads that are unfamiliar to them. Don’t let these trips end in a tragedy,” Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said.

“Every time you get in the car, think about the people you would leave behind.”

Sergeant Wood added: “We just want people to be as safe as they can at this time.

“Travel with the speed limit, make sure you’re well-rested and don’t drink and drive.”

Operation Safe Arrival will continue until 11.59pm on Monday, January 1.