Thick fog blanketed the local district every day last week, with visibility compromised until well into the afternoon on some days.
The foggy conditions have eased in the past few days, likely because of rainfall.
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Michael Fuller said the incident involving the truck occurred at Logie Brae - between Deniliquin and Finley - about 9.20am last Wednesday.
“The prime mover, B-double combination (unladen), driven by a 70 year-old man, was travelling west along the 80km/h Mayrung Rd at Logie Brae,” Chief Insp Fuller said.
“At the intersection of Coree Rd, the vehicle did not stop and continued through the intersection, colliding with a fence and then the embankment of a water channel before crossing that and coming to rest on the other side of the channel.
“Police and emergency services were contacted and responded.
“The driver remained in the cabin of the vehicle and was removed for medical attention with the assistance of New South Wales Ambulance and Fire + Rescue New South Wales.
“The driver was taken by ambulance to hospital but did not have life threatening injuries. Police investigations into the road crash are continuing.”
Chief Insp Fuller said in winter, early morning, early evening and night conditions can be particularly challenging.
In addition to weather affecting visibility, he said animals near roads also pose a risk.
This includes travelling livestock, which should be signposted, and native wildlife like kangaroos.
Road surfaces may also be affected by rain or ice, he warned, and Chief Insp Fuller said lights are a must if your vision is compromised.
“It’s important to make sure, not just now in winter but across the year, that your vehicle is in good shape,” he said.
“This means regular services, ensuring you have good tyres with sufficient tread and your brakes are in good shape.
“To be seen by other road users, you need to ensure that your headlights, taillights and number plates are clearly visible.
“The rules, which you can check out at Transport New South Wales, is that your headlights must be on when driving between sunset and sunrise.
“When there is fog, if your vehicle is fitted with fog lights, you can use them when conditions make it hard to see.
“You can also use hazard lights, but only when your vehicle is stopped in a dangerous location or when you are driving in hazardous conditions.
“It is also a good idea to put your headlights on during the day, as it increases your vehicle’s visibility.
“On open roads, and even around town, that extra visibility for oncoming vehicles across the daytime or afternoon really does make a difference to be easily seen by other road users.
“It can make the difference in avoiding a road crash not just in foggy weather or darkness, but also during bad rain.
“Drive to the conditions and the best advice is if it’s too foggy, and it’s hard to see, try to delay your travel until the road conditions are better.”
For more information on how to react when you encounter animals on the road, call 13 22 13 or download ‘Animals on country roads’ at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2024/crs_animals_on_country_roads.pdf.
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