Police are urging all road users to be vigilant, patient and follow basic safety advice while they’re driving or motorcycling this summer.
Superintendent Steve Greally, national road policing manager, said the preliminary 2015 road toll of 321 deaths – 27 more than in 2014 and the highest in five years – is far too high.
“We’re talking about people who have been killed or died as a result of injuries received in a road crash. They’re more than just a statistic. These are people who have left loved ones behind, and it’s the families and friends who are left to carry the pain and devastation of fatal crashes.”
The Christmas-New Year holiday road toll now stands at eight. This includes an elderly woman who died in hospital last evening from injuries received in a single vehicle crash near Oamaru on Wednesday morning, and a fatality early this morning on the Riwaka side of the Motueka Bridge.
The holiday period started at 4pm on 24 December and ends at 6am on 5 January.
Police are reminding motorists to keep themselves and others safe on the roads, especially over the next few days with more people travelling to and from holiday destinations.
Drivers need to be alert to changing conditions, especially as severe weather warnings are out today with expected heavy rain in northern parts of the country.
“Wet or fine, all motorists should be vigilant, exercise care and good judgement,” Superintendent Greally says.
“We all have a responsibility to be safe on the roads. It’s a no brainer to check your speed, wear a seat belt, be a sober driver, take a break if you’re tired and keep your focus on the road. If everyone takes this basic advice the road toll can be reduced and families can spend fun time with loved ones instead of planning funerals.”
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Released by Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs, mobile: 021 192 2915