Wairarapa Road Safety Council urges care on our roads after devastating weekend
Wairarapa Road Safety Council urges care on our roads after devastating weekend
The Wairarapa Road Safety Council is sending its thoughts to everyone affected by two serious crashes in the region over the weekend, both claiming lives. These are the first reported road fatalities in Wairarapa this year. Two deaths, two significant loses to our community.
The first crash happened on Saturday 19 September, when a single vehicle crashed on Gladstone Road, near Tiffin Road, Carterton, at about 12.50pm. One person died at the scene and another was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The second happened the following day, Sunday 20 September, on Carter's Line near Somerset Road, Carterton, at around 2.55pm. It involved three motorcycles and a ute. One person died at the scene, another was taken to hospital in a serious condition and a third received minor injuries. Both roads were closed while the Serious Crash Unit carried out scene examinations.
Council spokesperson Holly Hullena said the news was devastating for families, friends, first responders and the wider community.
"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the crashes this weekend. Behind every road crash is a family, a workplace and a community that will feel the loss for a long time," Hullena said.
Police crash investigations are still ongoing, and the circumstances of both crashes have yet to be established. Ms Hullena said that shouldn't stop us doing the right thing now.
"We don't need to wait for the answers to look after each other. We can make a change today, and share that message with the people we love and care about."
The crashes come as the days lengthen and the weather warms, when more people head out to enjoy the outdoors. More drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, walkers and holiday travellers share the same roads.
"Spring is a wonderful time to be out and about in the Wairarapa, and we want everyone to enjoy it and get home safely," Hullena said. "Slow down, take your time, plan your trip and look out for each other. A few extra minutes on the journey is nothing compared with a lifetime of loss."
Wairarapa Road Safety Council, New Zealand Police and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will run the Better Together campaign across October and November. It aims to deter locals and visitors from driving above the speed limit.
Speed affects the severity of every crash. Even when it doesn't cause a crash, it will most likely decide whether anyone is killed, injured or walks away unharmed.
"It's no surprise that driving faster than the posted limit raises the risk of death or serious injury, and not only for the driver, but for everyone around them," Hullena said. "The speed limit is a limit, not a target. It's a simple but powerful step every one of us can take."
Drivers will be reminded of the consequences of speeding through advertising and education, backed by Police enforcement. Police say drivers should expect enforcement at any time, anywhere on the roads.
"There's no excuse for speeding. If you're driving above the speed limit, expect the appropriate enforcement action. It's not worth putting yourself and others at risk of death or serious injury," Police said.
Hullena said the campaign is about caring for one another, not just enforcement.
"It's on drivers to make the decision to keep themselves and others safe. Road deaths from excess speed have torn families apart. Together we can make everyone safer, but we need your help."
She urged people to talk about it at home, at work and in sports clubs, and to make a pledge to slow down, buckle up, drive sober and rested, and put the phone away.
"Please share this message with the people you love. It's important that we talk about it, so together we can make a change and reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads."
