Police concerns after increase in road crashes

FILE

Police in the Eastern Bay of Plenty say stock and farm owners need to take more care after two crashes in the past week involving horses.

Police said yesterday they were concerned at the increased number of road crashes in the area.

In the past month three people have died on the area's roads.
Eastern Bay road policing manager Sergeant Ray Wylie said contributing factors were fatigue, stock, failing to give way and not driving to the conditions.

He said police had attended to two crashes lately where stock had been involved. There have been two crashes since Saturday involving horses on the Edgecumbe - Te Teko road and State Highway 30 near Thornton Rd, Whakatane.

"Stock and farm owners need to ensure their fencing is maintained and is fit for purpose and all gates are shut. Police have recently prosecuted a stock owner as a result of stock wandering onto a road causing serious injury to a motorcyclist.

"Prosecutions of this nature under the Crimes Act 1961 carry penalties of up to a year's imprisonment. Police will continue to take a hard line for this type of offending."

Two of the three deaths have involved motorbikes.

"It is a timely reminder for riders of motorcycles, particularly those who have had their bikes stored over the wet season, to be extra vigilant by constantly monitoring their own riding ability and being aware of their surroundings," Mr Wylie said.

"Motorcycle riders are more likely to be injured in a crash so ensure you are visible to all road users by wearing the best protective clothing you can afford and that your headlight is on at all times. Always wear a helmet, ride defensively and ensure your bike is maintained.

"It is equally important for other drivers to be aware of their surroundings and extra vigilant in relation to motorcyclists and cyclists who aren't as easily seen as larger vehicles. Sharing the road and sharing responsibility for safety is vital."

Mr Wylie said police wanted all drivers to have a safe summer on Eastern Bay of Plenty roads and unfortunately the increased number of crashes this year has eventuated from some drivers and riders making poor decisions.

The number of roads deaths this year in the Eastern Bay of Plenty has increased to 11, compared to four deaths in 2013.