Seven of nine deaths in five days on New Zealand on rural roads, police warn of risk driving in regions
The majority of crashes that claimed the lives of nine people in five days happened on rural roads in regional New Zealand, sparking renewed concern from police.
With seven of the nine deaths involving rural roads, police and road safety campaigners are warning motorists the risk of serious injury or death is higher outside main centres than on motorways.
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.”
The New Zealand director of road safety charity Brake, Caroline Perry, told the Herald that while road improvements are needed, it’s important people also drive to the conditions.
“A significant proportion of our rural roads are two-lane, winding roads, without median and roadside barriers and with high speed limits. We need more road improvements, such as median and roadside barriers, and speed limits that match the conditions of the roads.
“If you’re driving on rural roads, drive to the conditions, be aware of unexpected hazards and changes to road conditions, and slow down.”
She said Brake was extremely saddened to hear of these latest crashes.
“Every death on our roads is a tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with all the families and others who have been affected by them.”
Police yesterday urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after an “incredibly frustrating” toll resulting from serious crashes over the weekend.
Cyclist dies in Tasman District crash
A cyclist died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash in Motueka just after midday on April 10.
Police responded to the two-vehicle crash in Lower Moutere at the intersection of Edwards Rd and Central Rd.
A cyclist died at the scene.
Two dead, four injured in Gisborne crash
Two people died and four others were injured after a crash near Gisborne on April 11.
Emergency services were called to a single-vehicle crash on Tucker Rd at about 11.40pm.
Two people were found dead at the scene, police said.
Two others were taken to hospital in a critical condition, while another two suffered moderate injuries.
E-bike rider killed in Manawatū
One person died after crashing an electric bike in Manawatū in the early hours of April 12.
Police were called to Banks Rd in the rural village of Rongotea at about 12.40am.
The rider died at the scene.
One dies in Rangitīkei bridge crash
State Highway 1 and SH3 were closed for several hours near Bulls after a motorcycle and truck collided on the Rangitīkei River Bridge on April 13.
Police, Hato Hone St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the crash near the Tangimoana Rd intersection at about 10.55am.
One person died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
Two dead after Hamilton truck and car crash
Two people died after a crash on Hamilton’s Wairere Drive on April 13.
A truck and a car carrying four people collided near Pukete Bridge yesterday afternoon.
One occupant of the car died at the scene, while the three others were taken to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries. One later died in hospital that night.
A person driving past the crash, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Waikato Herald it was a “very scary scene”.
“There was a vehicle stuck under the left-hand side wheel [of the truck],” they said.
“The whole front of the vehicle was crushed. There were four [people] laying on the ground.”
Police said inquiries into the crash were ongoing.
Motorcyclist killed in West Auckland crash
One person died after a crash in the West Auckland suburb of Te Atatū South, also on April 13.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on Tirimoana Rd at about 7.05pm.
Police later confirmed one person, a motorcyclist, died as a result of the crash. Two parked cars were also damaged.
The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.
Fatal crash south of Christchurch
One person died following a two-vehicle crash south of Christchurch on April 14.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 1 near Burnham shortly before 7.30am.
Fire and Emergency said three crews worked to free two people trapped in separate vehicles.
“Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said.
One other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.