Too many lives “forever changed” after three months of devastating accidents

Hamilton and the wider Waikato have seen a series of major injuries and fatalities from crashes on local roads and Waikato Road Policing Senior Sergeant John McCarthy says too many families have had their lives forever changed due to tragic accidents.

Senior Sergeant McCarthy took steps to alert the public to the alarming number of motorcycle crashes in a media release in early October and emphasised how important it is that drivers of any motor vehicle take care on the roads.

“We are doing our best to ensure everyone travelling on our roads is safe; however, everyone, no matter what mode of transport, is responsible for the safety of all road users.” — Senior Sergeant John McCarthy

As the months have gone by, more lives have been affected by major accidents on the roads, not just motorcyclists. On Wednesday 29 October, Ohaupo Road in Hamilton was blocked off following a single-vehicle crash. The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Fatal crashes also occurred in Te Pahu on October 31, on 7 November in Soulbrey Street in Ngāruawāhia, and in Whitianga on 11 November

“We acknowledge this is a difficult time for all those involved,” said Senior Sergeant McCarthy, adding that their “sympathy and thoughts are with them”.

The details of crashes in the Waikato from September to October are:

• 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 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 died after a crash on McDonald Mine Road at around 12.45pm on 21 September.
• At about 11.50am on Friday 26 September, one person received serious, life-changing injuries in 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 in Meremere on Tuesday 30 September at around 7.45pm.
• At about 7am on Wednesday 1 October, one person received critical injuries after a crash on River Road.

McCarthy noted that Police are investigating the circumstances of each incident.

Senior Sergeant McCarthy shared a message with all motorists to help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely:

“Everyone, no matter what mode of transport, is responsible for the safety of all road users.”

The four biggest contributing factors in crashes are failing to use restraints, impairment by alcohol and drugs, distraction, and speed.

For motorcyclists, Police advise checking their bike, helmet, and gear: is everything in good condition, and will it provide the right protection?

In cases of extreme weather, the following distance between vehicles should increase from four to six seconds, according to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The extra time allows drivers to respond safely to the unexpected.

Police also stressed that just because you may be a “good driver” doesn’t mean the next person will be.

This story is credited to Waikato Road Policing Officer Senior Sergeant John McCarthy and was issued by the NZ Police Media Centre.