91-year-old woman dies after being hit by car

Police have named a 91-year-old woman who died after she was hit by a car in central Hamilton yesterday.

Jocelyn Margaret Banks, of Hamilton was crossing the north end of Victoria Street in peak traffic at 4.45pm on her way to catch a bus, when she was hit by a car.

Hamilton police believed her death could have been avoided.

Waikato District road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman said police arrived at the scene to find the Ms Banks seriously injured and she died overnight in Waikato Hospital.

Although it was raining at the time, there was still good visibility and police believe the outcome could have been different, Mr Tooman said.

"The woman appears to have been crossing the road to get to a bus stop, but instead of using a pedestrian crossing or using the lights at a controlled intersection she chose to walk across a banked up line of traffic.

"Though it was raining there was good visibility but the driver still failed to notice the woman as she crossed the road in what was a period of peak traffic, despite her wearing light coloured clothing and carrying a white umbrella," he said.

Mr Tooman said the incident highlighted the importance of safety on the road - for motorists and pedestrians alike.

"Firstly, motorists should remember the value of driving with your headlights on, it makes your car more visible to other road users, including pedestrians.

"Secondly, elderly people need to realise they are not as mobile and quick as they used to be and the safest way to get across a street is to use controlled intersections or pedestrian crossings.

"Lastly, all road users need to maintain a high degree of situational awareness no matter if you're in a car, on a bike or on foot.

"It is tragic someone who has lived such a long and varied life had to
die in this way," Mr Tooman said.

The incident is being investigated by the Serious Crash Unit.

- NZPA