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

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

“The ongoing drought has resulted in a lethal new hazard … with increased reports of livestock or native animals wandering onto rural roads,” he said.

“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.”