A death near Waimate yesterday afternoon has brought the number of fatalities from crashes on Canterbury roads this year to date to 28, compared to 24 at the same time last year. NZ figures show 256 this year to date, compared to 234 deaths in 2006 in the same time period.
Inspector Derek Erasmus says that alcohol consumption and/ or not wearing a seat belt have been contributing factors in the majority of the deaths.
"One of those killed in the last six months had five previous convictions for drink driving," he says.
The latest death was of a 67 year old man around 3pm yesterday near Waimate.
"It is a tragic waste," says Inspector Erasmus and urges all drivers to make sure their seat belts and any passenger seat belts and child restraints are used correctly."
28 deaths
10 of the fatalities were NOT wearing seatbelts AND alcohol was involved.
4 of the fatalities were NOT wearing seatbelts, with no alcohol involved.
4 of the fatalities were wearing belts in crashes involving alcohol.
So, in total, 14 fatalities were not wearing belts and 14 were involved in alcohol related crashes.
Two motorcyclists have died on Canterbury roads this year. Both were wearing helmets, and neither featured in an alcohol crash.