POLICE are urging drivers to take extra care – particularly older drivers – following six fatal crashes within a matter of days on the state’s roads, including one near Port Macquarie.
In that accident a 77-year-old man died at the scene just after 3pm on Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle accident on the Pacific Highway.
The man, from South West Rocks, was driving north in his Ford Falcon when he was involved in a collision with a Mitsubishi Pajero which was travelling south.
The 70-year-old driver of the Mitsubishi and his 59-year-old female passenger sustained non life-threatening injuries and were taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital for treatment.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the crash and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
The accident happened near the intersection with Hastings River Drive and resulted in traffic disruptions on the highway for several hours.
The horror run of fatal accidents actually started a day earlier, on Thursday. The deaths included:
* An 81-year-old man, who died after an accident on the Gwydir Highway east of Glen Innes.
* A 23-year-old man, who died on a property near Singleton.
* A 79-year-old woman, who died after the car she was a passenger in crashed into a tree in a cemetery at Ryde on Friday.
* A 31-year-old man, who died after an accident near Currabubula.
* A 42-year-old man died at after two motorcycles collided on the Pacific Highway near Mount White.
Acting Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the number of serious crashes was concerning.
“As well as these six fatalities, there has been a number of other crashes in recent days that have left people with serious injuries,” Mr Smith said.
“With school holidays fast approaching, it’s a timely reminder for those who are going on holidays to be vigilant and take the appropriate time and rest necessary.”
Police are particularly concerned about the number of elderly drivers involved in the recent crashes.
“While elderly drivers make up a low percentage of those involved in fatal crashes, the statistics for this year have risen slightly.
“There have been 14 older drivers killed on NSW roads this year, compared to nine for the same period last year,” Mr Smith said.
“Unfortunately, it’s situations like this that serve as a sad reminder to older drivers not to be complacent on our roads.”
