Highway toll over work weekend: five dead in separate crashes since Friday

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on the roads this weekend after five people were killed in as many crashes.

The latest death occurred after a car rolled down State Highway 35 in Tikitiki, on the east coast north of Gisborne, shortly after 2 p.m. today.

The work-weekend highway toll period ends at 6 a.m. Tuesday, but this year’s tragic toll has far exceeded last year.

Only one person died on our roads during the same holiday period in 2019.

Meanwhile, a seriously injured person lies at Waikato Hospital after a serious accident north of Napier this morning.

Gini Welch, National Highway Police Manager, Acting Superintendent, called it a “devastating start” to the weekend.

“While it is too early to speak about the cause of these accidents, we will continue to relentlessly remind people that we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe,” he said.

“Most people behave safely on the roads most of the time, but it only takes a risky decision or a moment of inattention to cause a tragedy. Ultimately, the actions of each driver and cyclist make a difference. “

Heavy rains and high winds hitting the South Island are expected to hamper road conditions starting tonight, and congestion is expected when those on a weekend getaway return home tomorrow.

Waka Kotahi / NZTA urged motorists to plan ahead and be patient when encountering the inevitable traffic jams.

“The roads have been very busy because people take advantage of the first long weekend since June, and we know that the traffic returning to the main centers will be very heavy tomorrow,” said Greg Lazarro, general manager of safety, health and health of Waka Kotahi. environment.

“Congestion and some delays will be unavoidable at peak times, so we ask everyone to allow enough time for a safe ride home.”

But the tragedy has struck five families as many enjoy a day off from work or school.

The weekend period began at 4 pm on Friday and runs until 6 am on Tuesday.

Just an hour after the weekend period began, a motorcyclist was killed in rush hour traffic.

The accident occurred on Main Rd North (State Highway 2), in Timberlea, Upper Hutt, on Friday.

A second person died in the early hours of Saturday morning near Gisborne.

Emergency services were called for the accident on Whatatutu Rd, Te Karaka, just before 2 am.

Seven hours later, emergency services were called into a two-car accident along State Highway 8 near Tekapo.

Che Tekapa Hogg, 42, was killed and three others were injured.

The trio were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries.

A pedestrian died Saturday afternoon after being hit by a heavy vehicle near Whanganui.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on State Highway 3 in Westmere.

And the fifth person died after a car rolled down State Highway 35 in Tikitiki, on the east coast north of Gisborne, shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday.

Police continue to investigate the five crashes.

Today Welch again urged motorists to slow down and drive safely.

“Too many people have already lost their lives or been seriously injured on the roads this weekend,” he said.

“Please watch your speed and following distances, pay attention to the conditions and stop and take a break if you feel fatigued.”