New Zealand / Transport

Two fatalities take holiday death toll on roads to 14

14:25 pm on 3 January 2022

Two more people have died following separate crashes on New Zealand roads over the holiday period.

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Police confirmed one person died following a serious crash on Waihi Road, Judea last night.

The crash, which involved a car and a pedestrian, was reported to police at 9.40pm.

The pedestrian died as a result of the crash.

Police also confirmed one person died following a single vehicle crash on Matawai Rd, Waerengaahika yesterday.

The crash had been reported to emergency services shortly after 4.40pm. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing.

The latest fatalities bring the total death toll over the holiday period so far to 14.

This morning two people were seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 1 near Hikurangi, north of Whangarei.

The crash involved a motorcycle. Two people have been transported to Whangarei Hospital. Diversions were in place around the scene of the crash.

Meanwhile, the Arapuni Road in Waipa was re-opened late last night following another fatal crash yesterday afternoon.

Police earlier had appealed to speak to the driver of a white care that was in the area, although not believed to be invovled, and they have now spoken to the person.

Motorists urged to be patient

Police have asked drivers to be patient and keep calm on the roads as families travel around the country.

"As families start heading home to go back to work or relocate to another hotspot, Police are reminding all drivers to be patient, keep calm and expect delays," deployment and road policing assistant commissioner Bruce O'Brien said.

"That's 14 families who are entering the New Year without a loved one."

O'Brien said all road users had a duty to respect each other and be responsible on the road.

"The risk of a fatal crash is too high when bad decisions are made around trucks as they can't stop quickly and can cause significant harm."

He urged drivers to wait for a passing lane or slow bay before passing, especially when passing a truck, caravan or campervan.

Police are also asking road users to take special care as many motorcyclists and cyclists take advantage of the summer weather.