The driver of a car that veered off a highway and killed two young men on NSW’s mid-north coast has been released by police without charge.
The New Year’s Day accident took the national holiday road toll to 43.
The two men, in their 20s, were hit by a four-wheel-drive car as they walked along the Oxley Highway, between Wauchope and Port Macquarie, just after 12.30pm (AEST) on Sunday.
The driver was found to be over the blood alcohol limit in a breath test at the scene.
He was found to be under the limit after a second test at Port Macquarie police station and was later released without charge, pending further inquiries.
Police told the Seven Network the motorist hit the young men after veering on to the shoulder of the highway.
They died at the scene.
Police were unable to confirm the men’s exact ages.
Their deaths took NSW’s holiday death toll to 17 and the national toll to 43.
Meanwhile, a 56-year-old died on New Year’s Eve after his motorcycle hit a kangaroo north of Moree, in NSW’s north.
The accident happened on the Newell Highway soon after 7pm on Boxing Day.
In Western Australia two men died in road accidents on New Year’s Eve.
A 22-year-old was killed when his car and a Ford Falcon collided in Connolly, in Perth’s north.
In a separate incident, a 20-year-old died after his Suzuki Jimny rolled in Myalup, in the state’s southwest.