Fatal crash in Auckland’s Wellsford as police warn of ‘a death per day’ this year
A person has died after a serious crash north of Auckland overnight, as police ramp up safety messages for drivers heading away for Anzac weekend.
It comes as 102 people have already died on the roads this year.
Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Waiteitei Rd, Wellsford, at 10.20pm.
Police said the driver died at the scene.
Acting director of road policing, Inspector Peter McKennie, said this year’s fatality rate is nearly equivalent to a death every day so far.
“With 17 deaths in April alone, that number is far too high.”
With roads affected by reduced visibility and damaged infrastructure from recent severe weather, drivers have been advised to plan ahead and to not get complacent.
“... drive to the conditions, stay alert, and be prepared to adjust your plans if visibility or road conditions deteriorate.
“Allow plenty of time for your journey so you’re not tempted to take risks. Whether you’re heading away or returning home, rushing increases danger.”
Inquiries into last night’s fatal crash are ongoing.
Police will be focused on seatbelt use, impairment from alcohol, drugs or fatigue, distraction and speed.
“These are a priority every day, not just on long weekends.
“Choosing to slow down, buckle up, put the phone away or organise a sober ride home can be the difference in making it safely to your destination – or not making it at all.”
McKennie said there would be a high presence of police officers on roads across the country this weekend.
“Remember Anzac for the right reasons not the wrong ones. We want everyone to get to their friends and whānau safely – and back home again."
Yesterday, a person died after a truck and car collided on SH29 in the Kaimai Range.
Earlier in April, nine people lost their lives in a five-day period.
Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally told the Herald those taking rural routes need to stay “extra vigilant”.
“Even though rural roads generally have less traffic, that does not make them safer.
“Rural roads have higher speed limits without median barriers, therefore the risk of serious injury or fatalities in any crash is higher than it is on motorways.”