Last year found the region as far as it has been from the grips of the pandemic since 2020, yet recent figures showing the 2022 road toll show that getting out of houses has had some fatal impacts. 

In the western plains, just three councils made the list of 25 'fatality-free' local government areas.

The return to near normalcy saw road traffic increase across the country, and with it, the road toll rose across the state throughout 2022, following a near 100-year-low of 275 deaths in 2021. 

Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation for Transport for NSW Tara McCarthy said that despite the figures, it’s promising to see that pre-pandemic numbers haven’t returned, which were much more damning.

"Last year's road toll is the third-lowest in the state since 1923 and remains below the pre-COVID average of 363 deaths a year,” Ms McCarthy said. 

Still, the NSW Government goal to achieve zero deaths or serious injuries in NSW by 2050 means that there were 363 deaths too many. 

“The road toll isn’t just a number. It’s someone’s mum, dad, son, daughter, partner, or friend. Any death or serious injury is one too many and the NSW Government is continuing to roll out plans to help drive down our toll,” said Ms McCarthy. 

Inevitably, extreme wet conditions and roads that continue to operate with years of flood damage compounding are contributing to the rising number, with 70 people losing their lives around NSW on wet roads compared to 44 in 2021. 

“Speeding, drink and drug driving and fatigue continue to be the leading factors involved in death and serious injuries on our roads,” Ms McCarthy said. 

In 2022, speeding contributed to 41 per cent of the road toll, with the majority of those being on country roads. Nine people died as a result of road accidents in the western plains area.

Wet roads and drivers taking a risk in floodwaters contributed in the higher road toll. PHOTO: U Warraweena

Two people lost their lives in both the Bogan and Warrumbungle shires, while there was one road death in each of Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett and Warren shires.

Bourke, Cobar and Lachlan shires were fatality-free in 2022.

Despite an 11-day operation over the Christmas and New Year period including double demerits, the holiday period saw the tragic deaths of nine people on NSW roads. 

Over the 11 days, the Western Region of NSW saw two fatal crashes, 4 people injured, 1,006 speed infringements, and 124 drug charges. 

“With longer distances to cover in the bush, it’s all too easy to become complacent about road safety. But one poor decision or one moment’s lapse in concentration can be the difference between life and death,” Ms McCarthy said. 

“As we start 2023, I urge everyone to remember that we all have a part to play in bringing down the road toll. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we need everyone to do their part – drive to the conditions, stick to the speed limit, make sure you’re well rested and never ever drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.”