The 23-year-old was driving a black Jeep Patriot north along Mount Hallam Rd at Atholwood, near Ashford, about 7.15am.

Police said at the same time a 59-year-old man was driving a silver Mazda utility south along the same road when the two vehicles collided head-on.

Emergency services were called but the 59-year-old man died at the scene.

The 23-year-old was taken to Texas hospital in Queensland for mandatory blood and urine testing. Specialist police combed the crash scene with officers called from Sydney to take detailed measurements of the scene.

About 3.30pm, the 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Inverell Police Station where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.

He was granted conditional bail and has been ordered to appear at Inverell Local Court in May.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

POLICE are urging drivers to slow down and play it safe on the roads this Easter after a fatal crash claimed the life of a driver north of Inverell.

The driver was killed in a head-on crash near Ashford on Wednesday morning – just hours out of from the start of a police blitz to target holiday drivers.

New England police confirmed the death on Mount Hallam Rd at Atholwood after two cars collided, shortly after 7.30am. 

A crime scene was set up and police from the Oxley Crash Investigation Unit in Tamworth spent several hours examining the site, as police try and determine what happened. 

Specialist officers were also en-route on Wednesday afternoon to the site from Sydney to conduct photogrammetry and mechanical examinations of the scene and the wreckages. The road remained closed on Wednesday night. 

The Leader understands police are trying to determine which car crossed into the path of the oncoming vehicle, which occurred on a blind corner, on the dirt road.

A report will now be prepared for the coroner.

Highway patrol officer Sergeant Michael Buko pleaded for motorists to drive safely this Easter and school holidays.

“Already we have seen one life lost on local roads with Wednesday’s fatal crash,” he said.

“We don’t want to see anymore. One life lost is too many on our roads.”

“It means our officers have to knock on the door of a family and tell them their loved one is not coming home.”

Operation Tortoise will start at midnight on Wednesday targeting drink and drug-driving, speeding, seatbelts, driver inattention and fatigue. 

“Police want everyone to get their destination safely this holiday period,” Sergeant Buko said.

“We urge drivers to rest up before travelling, don't drive after a big night, take adequate breaks, don't take risks, wear a seatbelt and concentrate, don't get distracted. 

“It only takes a second for a tragedy to occur.” Double demerits are in force until Tuesday.