Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

A horror night on the roads with three fatal crashes is a sobering reminder for those travelling home today to drive safely.

Five people have lost their lives overnight.

One person died in a crash in Wairakei, one on Waiheke, and tragically, three people were killed in a crash in Waiouru.

That is absolutely gutting.

We are thinking of their families today, while they deal with the awful reality that their lives will never be the same.

This comes after deaths in two earlier crashes this King’s Birthday weekend, bringing the provisional number of deaths to seven.

Police are urging motorists travelling home today after the long weekend to please, take every safety precaution you can.

We say it all the time but we’re going to say it again – there are four main things that contribute to death or serious injury on the roads.

Those are speeding, not using your seatbelt, driving distracted, or driving impaired, including by tiredness.

If you’re getting on the road today, please – buckle up, put your phone away, watch your speed, and if you are at all impaired by alcohol, drugs or tiredness, stop – don’t get behind the wheel.

These things might be the difference between you getting home safely or not.

Police are reminding motorists of their obligations around kea crossings, also known as school pedestrian crossings.

Kea crossings operate before, after, and sometimes during school hours.

As a motorist, you are required by law to abide by the crossing patrols rules – when the red stop signs are out, you must stop behind the white line painted on the road. Failure to do so can result in being fined or charged with dangerous driving.

When approaching a kea crossing that is operating but has the stop signs drawn in, you must slow down and prepare to stop – only carry on through the crossing once it’s clear the stop signs are not being put out.

If one sign is out and the other is not, you should take care and stop, as a child or supervisor may be preparing to set up or pack down.

For more information on kea crossings, go to: kea crossings: school crossing points - www.nzta.govt.nz/travelling-on-our-roads/keeping-children-safe/school-patrols/kea-crossings

One person has died following a crash on Poihipi Road, Wairakei yesterday evening.

Police were alerted to the single vehicle crash at 7.25pm.

The driver was the sole occupant of the car, which collided with a tree.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on Poihipi Road, Wairakei.

Police were notified at 7.25pm that a car had collided with a tree, between Tukairangi Road and Oruanui Road.

Initial information indicates there are serious injuries.

The road is expected to be closed for some time and motorists are advised to take alternative routes where possible.

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on Poihipi Road, Wairakei.

Police were notified at 7.25pm that a car had collided with a tree, between Tukairangi Road and Oruanui Road.

Initial information indicates there are serious injuries.

The road is expected to be closed for some time and motorists are advised to take alternative routes where possible.

Things you shouldn't do after a night out....

❌ Drive drunk
❌ Text your ex

Always drive sober or have a plan on how you will get home safely so you can end your night with no regrets.

Just looking at all your excuses for not wearing your seatbelt 🚮

Anywhere, anytime 👀🚨

The speed limit is just that - a limit – not a target. Even a small change in speed makes a big difference to injury severity in a crash, for you and everyone else involved.

You out tonight? We are 👀

Drive sober.