In releasing the names of two motorists killed on local roads over recent days, Waikato Police say the deaths now mean two families will be faced with loved ones missing from the table this Christmas.
Expressing the sympathies of NZ Police to the family of 24-year-old Tauranga woman, Justine Margaret ANDERSEN, District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said the investigation into the cause of the 06 December crash is still underway.
“We don’t know what caused the driver of a northbound car to swerve across the southbound lane and strike the Nissan Skyline Justine was travelling as a passenger in on SH1 near Karapiro early in the evening of 06 December.
“Serious Crash Unit investigators tell me they are working to confirm what part, if any, fatigue or distraction may have played. Right now all Police and Miss ANDERSEN’S family have left to go on is the ‘why.’”
Mrs Grace said investigators are still seeking witnesses to the crash and anyone who saw what happened who hasn’t already been interviewed by Police is asked to contact Sergeant Warren Shaw at the Te Awamutu Police Station on 07 872 0100.
“Police would also like to express their sympathies to the family and friends of 60-year-old Coromandel man, Kevin Raymond AMBLER, who died in a single vehicle crash on 10 December on SH25/ the Thames Coast Rd.
“Serious Crash Unit investigators are currently working to establish what part, if any, speed, alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt may have played in Mr AMBLER’s death after his Holden Commodore struck an abutment on a bridge and he was thrown from the car.”
Mrs Grace said while investigators work to answer dozens of questions raised from both crashes there are aspects that have been confirmed that could help prevent more people being harmed on our roads.
“Those are we now have two families contemplating empty seats at the family table this Christmas and this is something we want the public to help us prevent other families having to face these holidays. After all safer drivers mean safe families on holiday roads this summer.
“Another is the tragic avoidability of road fatalities something that was spelt out over the weekend with a number of fatalities across the country. The quickest solution is for everyone to check their speed, to avoid alcohol if driving and don’t drive fatigued. If you feel tired pull over, after all road safety is no accident.”
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