Driver dies in Tamworth hospital after Oxley Highway crash near Woolbrook; double demerits now in force

The 81-year-old's condition deteriorated in hospital after Tuesday night's crash near Woolbrook and he passed away on Wednesday.

The man was behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado and was travelling west on the Oxley Highway.

About 7pm, police said the four-wheel-drive left the road, and into the grassland before crashing into a dirt culvert.

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A passing motorist found the crash and rushed to help. The motorist managed to help the injured 81-year-old from the car and alerted emergency services.

Police and Ambulance NSW were contacted and paramedics treated the injured man before transporting him to Tamworth hospital.

He then passed away in hospital.

Police said investigations into the crash are continuing and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.

More than 290 people have died on roads this year, so far, and almost half of the crashes involved fatalities.

The crash comes as local police flood the roads for the Christmas/New Year break.

Double-demerit points are now in place until the early new year for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said almost 180 of those killed this year died in crashes on country roads.

"Country people make up only a third of NSW's population but last year deaths on country roads made up two thirds of our road toll," he said.

"We are asking people to plan ahead, put the phone away, buckle up, slow down, take regular breaks and enjoy our roads safely this summer holiday."

Double demerits are in force until midnight on Sunday, January 3.