Fatal Crash in Waikato

Waikato Police say the death of a person travelling in a utility vehicle near Whitianga overnight highlights just how fragile life is and the importance of driving to the conditions if motorists are to make it to Monday this holiday weekend.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said the crash was still under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit however initial indications are a south bound campervan, driven by an overseas tourist, crossed the centreline into the path of an oncoming 4x4 utility.

"The crash happened about 6.30pm and both vehicles were in the north bound lane when it happened. At the time it was dark and the road was wet given the light drizzle falling at the time.

"One person travelling as a passenger in the utility died in the crash while the driver suffered serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital. The two occupants of the campervan suffered minor injuries and were taken to Thames Hospital but have since been released."

SH25 was closed for over six hours following the crash and despite messaging to media, radio stations and Facebook for motorists to expect significant delays, large numbers of vehicles were queued up waiting for the road to reopen.

"Emergency services are always conscious of the impact clearing the scene and establishing what has occurred has on other travellers and we advised via the media diversions were in place via the Tapu-Coroglen Rd.

"Given the nature of the terrain however, radio reception may not be too good while travelling in the Coromandel and we would advise motorists to check for any delays before heading out through traffic advisory services or newswire applications on their computer and phone devices."

Mrs Grace said with this latest tragedy highlighting the need for people to take care on our roads, perhaps it was time we all considered what being fit for the road actually means.

"What we're talking about is ensuring you are fit and attentive behind the wheel, if you've had a hard day before heading out consider taking a rest first, it could easily save your life.

"Likewise, is your vehicle, caravan and boat trailer fit to be on the roads, is it registered, have a warrant of fitness and sufficient tyre tread to enable you to react in case you- or the other guy makes a mistake?"

Mrs Grace said these were all things that need to be considered if we are all going to make it to Monday this Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.

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