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One person was killed in a car-pedestrian collision in Whanganui this afternoon, raising the working weekend highway toll to four.
The pedestrian was killed in an accident on State Highway 3 in Westmere just before 2 p.m., police said.
It comes after a person was killed in a two-car collision near Tekapo this morning.
Three people in the other car were airlifted to the hospital with moderate injuries after the crash on State Highway 8.
A third person was killed in an accident near Gisborne in the early hours of this morning.
Police were called in for the incident on Whatatutu Rd, Te Karaka, shortly after 2 am.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A motorcyclist also died yesterday in Upper Hutt.
Acting Superintendent Gini Welch has since issued a statement “strongly calling” on motorists to “behave safely on our roads after a devastating start to the work weekend.”
“Our frontline personnel have seen four fatal accidents across the country since the official weekend began at 4pm yesterday. We have also responded to several other serious accidents that have resulted in significant injuries to those involved.” He said.
Welch urged motorists to slow down, pay attention to their surroundings and conditions, and watch their following distance “to ensure they arrive alive.”
“Most people behave safely on the roads most of the time, but it only takes a risky decision or a moment of inattention for it to result in a tragedy,” he said.
“Ultimately, the actions of each driver and cyclist make a difference.”
The toll began at 4 in the afternoon yesterday and ends at 6 in the morning on Tuesday.
