As the name of the latest person killed on Waikato roads is released the District's top Police officer warns drivers this long weekend to expect to encounter his staff anywhere and at any time as they work to save motorists from themselves.
Acting Superintendent Greg Nicholls said the death yesterday afternoon of 68-year-old Velma Vivienne McNALLY was all the more tragic given the crash, which happened at the intersection of SH26 and Tauwhare Rd about 12.40pm, was avoidable.
"This was the second death from three similar crashes on Waikato roads this week. In addition we have a woman and a child critically injured. Each crash happened in fine weather conditions and our concern right now is that with high traffic flows expected over the next two holiday weekends there is the potential for more road trauma.
"To avoid this I've instructed all our staff, not just road policing officers to be vigilant on our roads. Preventing road trauma is everybody's responsibility and we're asking the public to do their part as well."
Mr Nicholls said the zero tolerance for anyone travelling more than 4km over the speed limit will be strictly enforced over the next two long weekends and any drivers dealt with by Police can also expect to be breath tested anywhere and at any time.
"But it's not just about the high end stuff, as we've seen with two fatal intersection crashes we're not getting the basics right so if Mr or Mrs Joe Average is seen running a red light, failing to stop at an intersection or driving without a seatbelt they too can expect to encounter enforcement action.
"As we've seen already such intervention could prove a life saver with the potential for someone to pull out in front of you another 500m down the road."
Ensuring you've had plenty of sleep, haven't been drinking and that your car, caravan or boat trailer is fit to be on the road are just a few things motorists can do to ensure a safer journey.
"The other thing that is crucial is to allow yourself plenty of time to get wherever you are going, that way you won't be faced with making snap decisions and getting the basics wrong. By taking these simple actions you could avoid a potential tragedy."
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