Rider clocked at 194kmh

Acting Senior Sergeant Bryce Johnson (left) and Acting Otago Coastal Area Road Policing manager...
Acting Senior Sergeant Bryce Johnson (left) and Acting Otago Coastal Area Road Policing manager acting Senior Sergeant Graeme Evans with a mobile electronic message board in North Dunedin. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Dunedin police say some drivers risk not being here for Christmas, after a motorcyclist was clocked travelling at 194kmh on the Pigroot.

Acting Otago Coastal Area Road Policing manager Acting Senior Sergeant Graeme Evans, of Dunedin, said police stopped the motorcyclist on State Highway 85 between Palmerston and Dunback on Saturday.

He said the motorcyclist was due in court, and believed it was timely to remind other road users of the Police and NZTA holiday road safety campaign: ``We Want You Here for Christmas''.

He said most drivers were excellent, and he did not want innocent, law-abiding road users to be the victim of someone else's poor decisions.

"That motorcyclist is who you're sharing the road with, and that's why we say the biggest factor that influences the outcome of a crash is speed.

"It's simply because it gives you more reaction time.

"When you are presented with a situation like that [someone travelling at 194kmh] you're in a better position to take preventive action.''

He said police would be out in force identifying offending over the holiday period.

"But in terms of everyone else, be warned - it's out there.

"Don't be the victim of someone else's stupidity.

"We don't want your money. We want your safety and we want everyone home for Christmas.''

National Road Policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally said when people were driving, they were operating a one-tonne vehicle that had ``huge potential'' for harm.

"People need to be aware and respectful of this.

"If everybody decided to act responsibly every time they got in a car, we could see so many lives saved.

"I urge everybody to take on board the messages - wear your seat belt, don't go too fast for the conditions, put your phone away, and drive sober and alert.''

Snr Sgt Evans said there already had been 10 road deaths in the Otago Coastal area this year.

Last year, there were 18.

"While any number is too many, there is a real opportunity for everyone to play a part, and if we manage to prevent any further fatalities, we will be eight down this year on last year.

"I think that would be a significant achievement in the face of what media are reporting in other areas in relation to the road toll.''

 

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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