With bad weather forecast over coming days and extremely heavy traffic flows for the National Fieldays that start tomorrow, Waikato Police are urging motorists to ensure they remain alert on the region's roads.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said the call follows the death of an 80-year-old woman in Waikato Hospital today after she was struck down by a car as she walked across a pedestrian crossing in Ngaruawahia this morning.
"The crash is still under investigation by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit so it is too early to say what caused the incident but we believe the woman was crossing from east to west when she was struck.
"We don't believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash and the 37-year-old male driver stopped at the scene and is cooperating with Police. At this stage it appears this is a tragedy for all concerned and we would like to express our sympathies to the dead woman's family for their loss."
Mrs Grace said this latest incident was the fourth pedestrian fatality in the Waikato this year and the second on a pedestrian crossing.
"We're asking motorists that before they hit the road in heavy Fieldays traffic this week, do a TWIRL- that's check your Tyres, Windscreen, Indicators, look for any Rust and make sure your Lights are working properly.
"Cyclists and pedestrians can do their part as well. Ensure if you're on a bike motorists can see you, make sure you have a good lights front and rear and that you're wearing reflective clothing. Pedestrians and joggers are asked to do the same; it's hard to share the road if you can't see the other bloke on it."
Mrs Grace said making sure your car was registered and had an up to date Warrant of Fitness showed your vehicle is fit to be on the road and drivers could do with their own fitness report.
"This week is probably the busiest period on Waikato roads of the year and the forecast is for rain and poor visibility.
"So make sure you're at your best, well rested, not under the influence of alcohol and be prepared to have a bit of patience and we'll all get to where we're going in one piece, remember, road safety is no accident."
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