“While investigations are still underway into the cause of this crash, police are calling on drivers to slow down, put down the mobile phone and not drive while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.

“We want people to follow these rules to ensure they reach their destination safely. There have been too many lives lost on our roads this summer.

“It is a new year and we hope many drivers make it their New Year’s resolution to drive safely.”

A crew from Rural Fire Service (RFS) Gunnedah attended the accident to assist with traffic control and fire security.

RFS duty officer Scott McPherson also urged drivers to take care on our roads.

“We also want to encourage drivers to be safer on our roads,” he said.

“These incidents are never good to deal with and we urge people to drive safely.”

EARLIER: A man has died in a single-car crash near Gunnedah on Thursday night.

Emergency services were called to the Kamilaroi Highway, south east of Gunnedah following reports of a collision about 5.45pm. 

On arrival it was found a car had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

Oxley Local Area command crime manager Chief Inspector Phil O’Reilly said witnesses attempted CPR on the 74-year-old driver before emergency crews arrived but were unable to revive him.

He died at the scene and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. 

The Kamilaroi Highway was closed for several hours with diversions in place.

The highway reopened just before 2am, Friday.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.