The Bay of Plenty district had the highest road toll in New Zealand so far this year. A total of at least 63 people have lost their lives - 12 more than the same time last year. Photo / File
No one can deny the road toll in the Bay of Plenty is too high and that it is is having a devastating effect on families and loved ones.
Everyone who gets behind the wheel has the responsibility to drive safely, drive to the conditions and know the roads.
Read more: SH36 crash raises Bay of Plenty road toll to 63 - 12 more than last year
I
am one of the fortunate ones who escaped being a road toll statistic and only had to spend three weeks in hospital in traction with a dislocated hip after my best friend drove too fast and failed to take a corner at the correct speed.
At the time we were in our early 20s and thought it would be a fantastic idea to re-visit an old, twisty gravel road in our hometown that was notorious for young hoons to show off their race car driving skills on.