Friday, 10 December 2010 - 8:17am |
National News

Waikato's top cop's message to road users

2 min read

Reflecting on figures relating to the causative factors of fatal Waikato crashes the District's top Policeman believes a clear message needs to be sent out to road users this summer.

Acting Waikato District Commander, Detective Inspector Russell Le Prou, said the level of trauma on our roads required attention not just from his staff but from the public as well.

"The Waikato's road toll is currently 48 deaths compared to 37 for the same period last year and we are heading towards our heaviest period of traffic volumes on our roads with the summer holidays nearly upon us.

"Those deaths occurred in 41 vehicle crashes, of those 19 involved alcohol and an equal number involved speed.

"In addition young drivers carrying passengers in breach of the conditions of their graduated licences were responsible for three double and one triple fatality crashes this year."

Mr Le Prou said all Waikato Police staff were being sent a message that reducing road trauma is a not only a 'whole of policing' issue but a priority.

"My motivation for this message is wanting everyone around the family table enjoying Christmas, not being gathered around a gurney reflecting on how their loved one is now a statistic.

"I have made my position quite clear that we will maintain a highly visible presence on our roads this summer and I expect them to take enforcement action where appropriate.

"Often there's the debate about warnings being more effective than fines however but when you look at the real cost- human lives, the stakes are too high to ignore."

Mr Le Prou said often the human factor was lost when dealing with figures associated with the road toll but it was emergency services staff who had to deal with the carnage of road trauma.

"You can die from not wearing a seatbelt, in fact last weekend two men did. If you are found to be travelling unrestrained, in breach of your license conditions or driving under the influence of alcohol you can expect my staff to deal with it because I certainly expect them to."

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