Currently, 100 per cent of the Central West and Central Tablelands remains declared in drought and despite recent rainfall in some areas, the land is still very dry with little grass growth.

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Western Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Ben Macfarlane said the long-running drought had resulted in an additional hazard for motorists in the Central West.

“The ongoing drought has resulted in a lethal new hazard in the state’s Central and Far West with increased reports of livestock or native animals wandering onto rural roads,” he said.

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“These animals – including cattle, sheep, horses, kangaroos, emus, pigs and goats – should be expected on the roadside during daylight hours and not just the traditional dusk, dawn and night periods.”

Meanwhile, Central West emergency service personnel have spoken out about just how horrific attending a serious or fatal road crash can be to attend.

A police officer, firefighter and two paramedics have shared their stories and all confess that they have seen things at road crashes that they cannot unsee.

They also say if you had seen these things, you’d never speed, drink drive, use your phone or drive while tired ever again. Read more.