They've put extra staff on the roads, are working closer with partner agencies to raise awareness of road safety yet the District's road toll continues to climb and Waikato Police say it's time the public took ownership of the roads.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said overnight the Waikato suffered its sixth pedestrian fatality so far this year, on Tauranga Rd, SH2, Waihi.
"Emergency services were called to the scene of an incident near the intersection with Baxter Rd about 7.40pm.
"It appears a man, understood to be aged 53, was struck down by a southbound Hyundai car and died at the scene of his injuries."
The incident is currently under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit however alcohol on the part of the victim appears to have been a factor.
Mr Tooman said this latest death took the Waikato's road toll to 40 compared to 34 for the same period last year.
"While every death is a tragedy one of the most concerning aspects of this total is that six pedestrians have died this year so far on Waikato roads where as between 2006 and 2010 12 pedestrians lives were lost.
"As a District a lot of work has gone into raising the profile and presence of road policing staff on our roading network with additional officers being bought in to assist in this. At the same time our partner agencies have been busy enhancing education and engineering initiatives."
Mr Tooman said while all this was being done the core issue of people taking basic safety steps wasn't being done.
"We're talking about keeping left, watching your speed, avoiding booze, securing belts, wearing his-visibility clothing and taking every step to ensure no matter what type of road user you are you can be seen.
"If every road user takes personal responsibility we can go a long way in ensuring safer journey's for all concerned."
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