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Since April 20, a staggering 18 lives have been lost on New Zealand’s roads in 14 crashes, police confirm.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families who have lost loved ones so tragically in recent days,” acting director of road policing, Inspector Peter McKennie says.
“Any death on the road is one too many, [but] everyone should be extremely concerned about the rate at which people are being killed on New Zealand roads.”
Police are extremely frustrated due to the fact many of these deaths could have been avoided with safer driving, he says.
Sixteen of the 18 deaths occurred on open roads with 100km per hour speed limits and no traffic safety barriers.
Police urge drivers to take extra care on such roads where any mistake can quickly end in tragedy, McKennie warns.
“As a driver, never underestimate the decisions you make. They can affect not only you and those in your vehicle, but everyone else on the road around you as well. There is simply no excuse for any driver to endanger their lives and those of others with unsafe behaviour.”
Basic measures save lives.
“Simple behaviour such as buckling up before you travel, not getting behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, staying fully focused on the road without any distractions and slowing down are crucial in avoiding crashes and deaths,” McKennie adds.
“Where we see any unsafe behaviour, people can expect to be stopped by police. There will be no tolerance for those who choose to disregard road safety rules and put the lives of others at risk.”
