Speed is being blamed for the fatality at the intersection of Boundary Road and Hinton Road, which came on the eve of Australia’s biggest drink-driving operation, which starts today.

It’s another tragic incident on local roads and Bathurst police are warning local motorists they will be out in force to stop the carnage.

Officers from the Chifley Local Area Command are now preparing a report for the Coroner after the death of the 31-year-old Victorian man, but are asking for common sense to prevail when drivers get behind the wheel.

Bathurst crime manager Joel Fawkner said yesterday they seemed to be constantly focusing on fatal crashes.

“On this occasion speed was an obvious factor, but any time you have speed, alcohol or fatigue involved it can be potentially lethal,” he said.

“We believe the man who was killed on Wednesday night knew the Mount Panorama area, which is a constant focus for the local highway patrol.

“The Mount seems to attract people who want to go around it super fast and we want people to know that’s just not on.”

According to police, at about 11.30pm on Wednesday the Victorian man was travelling west along Boundary Road in a 2009 Holden SSV Commodore.

“Travelling in the front passenger seat was a 23-year-old local woman,” police said.

“As the vehicle approached the intersection with Hinton Road, which is controlled by a roundabout, the Holden appears to have left the road and travelled onto the gravel verge before striking a fence post.

“The car has then become airborne, eventually striking a tree with its roof, killing the driver on impact.

“The passenger was able to get out of the vehicle and a passing nurse and off-duty police officer rendered assistance until the arrival of emergency services.”

Police said the woman was treated for minor injuries at Bathurst Hospital and allowed to leave.