Waikato Police say the tragic loss of a young man in hospital following a crash in Raglan should serve as a reminder to people to only travel in vehicles where a restraint is available to them.
In extending the sympathies of the New Zealand Police to the family of 18-year-old Raglan man, Ra Ngaru SMITH, District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said the most tragic thing for the emergency services who dealt with the incident was the degree of avoidability associated with his death.
"The crash is still under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit, however initial indications are Mr SMITH suffered life threatening injuries after the utility he was riding on the back of failed to negotiate a bend on Raglan's Wainui Rd on Boxing Day.
"Mr SMITH was thrown from the back of the vehicle as it crashed down a bank. Flown by rescue helicopter to Waikato Hospital he died in the Intensive Care Unit early yesterday morning."
Mrs Grace said Mr SMITH'S death brought the Waikato Police District road toll for 2014 to 36 fatalities from 35 crashes.
"That's 36 families without a loved one to enjoy summer or celebrate Christmas with this year or for following years.
"Fatalities like this can be prevented if we ensure we only travel in vehicles where there are approved restraints available for all the vehicle's occupants. Other deaths can be avoided if we avoid fatigue, watch our speed, abstain from drinking and driving and avoid reckless or careless driving."
Mrs Grace said it was by taking simple steps that people can ensure they are doing their part in ensuring we all drive to survive on Waikato roads.
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