Pothole blamed after car rolls on Clarence Way near Bonalbo

Crappy roads, speeding drivers and travellers not used to local conditions. See how an incident on the Clarence Way sparked a Facebook storm.

A car has rolled on the Clarence Way south of Bonalbo. Picture: Tony Leggo

Occupants of a vehicle travelling the Clarence Way have dodged a bullet after they allegedly hit a pothole and crashed.

NSW Rural Fire Service was called to the scene on Tuesday around 5.50pm to reports a car had rolled into a ditch near Bottle Creek, south of Bonalbo.

Residents in the local community took to social media, blaming the poor condition of the roads, speeding drivers, and holiday-makers as well as backpackers who may not know the roads.

No one was injured in the crash at Bottle Creek, while police remain frustrated after eight people died and close to 70 others were injured on NSW state roads over the long weekend.

‘Operation Labour Day’ saw Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers and general duties police target speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, and other traffic offences.

Northern Rivers statistics 

• Speed infringements: 827

• Breath tests: 20,452

• PCA: 76

• Major crashes: 58

• Fatalities: 2

Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King said while the long weekend blitz had wound up, NSW roads remain busy in the final week of the school holidays.

“Just because the operation has concluded, doesn’t mean the messaging is any different,” Mr King said.

“We still need people to obey the road rules and take necessary breaks to keep themselves and the rest of the community safe.”

Police are encouraging motorists to drive to conditions, be patient around roadworks, and not to drive through flood waters.

Mr King said the rules are there for the public’s protection.

“We have seen too many incidents recently involving people ignoring warning signs, resulting in a tragic outcome,” he said.

“While a detour may be inconvenient, it is not worth your life – listen to emergency services and do not attempt to drive through any flooded causeway, you have no clue how deep the water may be or what debris may be underneath.”