A 59-YEAR-OLD man died in a crash near Hillston on Friday morning in a horror start to the long weekend.
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About 7.30am on Friday morning emergency services were called out to a crash between a white Toyota Landcruiser and a white Ford ute on Wee Elwah Road south of Hillston.
The driver of the Ford, a 59-year-old man died at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota Landcruiser, a 30-year-old man, and his male passenger walked away uninjured.
With Operation Slow Down starting Thursday midnight, Murrumbidgee Police District Inspector Justin Cornes said it was a stark reminder for those travelling on our roads over the long weekend to be careful.
"We strongly encourage people to slow down this weekend and drive to the conditions," he said.
Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As inquiries continue, Inspector Cornes encouraged anyone who was travelling along Wee Elwah Road at the time of the crash or has dash cam vision to come forward.
Long weekend Operation Slow Down
Motorists have been urged to slow down and take care as they launch Operation Slow Down ahead of the Labor Day long weekend.
The annual road safety enforcement operation started at 12.01am on Friday and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday October 7.
Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
During the 2018 Operation Slow Down period, five lives were lost in four fatal crashes on NSW roads.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command's Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said along with school holidays, people were also embarking on long-haul drives to the NRL Grand Final and other events.
"These days are meant for families and friends to spend time together safely, so we are urging all motorists to plan ahead and manage their trips.
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"This means not driving while you are tired, remembering to take breaks, not driving too fast for the conditions and refraining from alcohol if you're getting behind the wheel.
"Lives are being lost on the roads and families are being changed forever because some motorists have not heeded the warning signs or taken necessary precautions.
"We will have maximum impact from our Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Officers and Crash Investigators working throughout this long weekend to ensure people get to & from their long weekend destinations safely," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.