Drivers urged to stay safe on roads

The deaths of an elderly woman near Oamaru and a person in Motueka have prompted police to remind drivers to be vigilant, patient and follow basic safety advice while they on the roads this summer.

Superintendent Steve Greally, the national road policing manager, said today the preliminary 2015 road toll of 321 deaths - 27 more than in 2014 and the highest in five years - was far too high.

"We're talking about people who have been killed or died as a result of injuries received in a road crash. They're more than just a statistic," he said.

"These are people who have left loved ones behind, and it's the families and friends who are left to carry the pain and devastation of fatal crashes."

The Christmas-New Year holiday road toll stands at eight.

It included a fatality early this morning on the  Riwaka side of the Motueka Bridge, in which two people were also injured. Last night, an elderly woman died in hospital from injuries received in a single vehicle crash near Oamaru on Wednesday morning.

The holiday period began at 4pm on 24 December and ends at 6am on 5 January.

As more people were travelling to and from holiday spots, drivers needed to keep themselves and others safe on the roads, Mr Greally said.

Drivers also needed to be alert to changing conditions, especially as severe weather warnings were out today, with expected heavy rain in northern parts of the country first before cold winds and rain in the South Island over the weekend. 

"Wet or fine, all motorists should be vigilant, exercise care and good judgement," Mr Greally said.

"We all have a responsibility to be safe on the roads. It's a no-brainer to check your speed, wear a seat belt, be a sober driver, take a break if you're tired and keep your focus on the road. If everyone takes this basic advice the road toll can be reduced and families can spend fun time with loved ones instead of planning funerals."

Speed possibly factor 

In the Motueka crash this morning, speed may have been a factor, police said. 

Emergency services were called to the scene on the Riwaka side of the bridge just after 2am where they found a "light van" with three people inside.

Sergeant Blair Hall said it appeared to be the driver who died at the scene. The other two occupants were taken to hospital with what police said appeared to be moderate to serious injuries.

A police serious crash investigator would conduct a full examination later today.

"The crash does not appear to have involved any other vehicles, and evidence at the scene would indicate speed was an aggravating feature leading to this crash," Sgt Hall said.

Police had yet to release the name of the deceased.

- additional reporting NZ Herald

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