Road users are urged to drive safe and to the conditions after eight life-changing motorcycle crashes in the Waikato area this past month.
Waikato Road Policing Senior Sergeant John McCarthy says too many families have had their lives forever changed.
“Two people have died, three people remain in a critical condition, and three others received life-altering injuries.
“We acknowledge this is a difficult time for all those involved, and our sympathies and thoughts are with them.”
While Police’s investigations into the circumstances of these crashes remain under investigation, we would like to remind road users to take care when on our roads.
The details of these crashes are the below,
- Two people received serious life-changing injuries following a crash at around 8.10pm on Tuesday 2 September, on Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu.
- One person has died after a crash on Mangateparu Loop Road at around 1.30pm on Thursday 11 September.
- On Tuesday 16 September, one person received critical injuries following a crash on Park Drive, Raglan at around 2.30pm.
- One person has died after a crash at around 21 September on Mcdonald Mine Road about 12.45pm.
- About 11.50am on Friday 26 September, one person received serious life-changing injuries following a crash on the Waikato Expressway near Huntly.
- On Friday 26 September, one person received critical injuries after a crash on Karl Michael Crescent, Flagstaff at around 5.50pm.
- One person received critical injuries after a crash on State Highway 1, Meremere on Tuesday 30 September about 7.45pm.
- About 7am, one person received critical injuries after a crash on River Road on Wednesday 1 October.
“We are doing our best to ensure everyone travelling on our roads are safe, however everyone, no matter what mode of transport, is responsible for the safety of all road users.
“While all eight crashes involved motorcycles, we want to share this message to all motorists to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely,” Senior Sergeant McCarthy says.
We know the four biggest factors in crashes involve restraints, impairment by alcohol and drugs, distractions, and speed.
Police’s message to motorcyclists is to check over your bike and your gear, to ensure it is in the right condition and provides you with the right protection.
As you get out on your bike, get the most out of your riding by honing your skills and awareness with a Ride Forever course.
“Just because you may be a good driver, it does not mean the next person will be. Drive in a manner and at a speed that allows you to respond safely to the unexpected,” Senior Sergeant McCarthy says.
To learn more about motorcycle safety, head to the Ride Forever website here.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre