Tragically nine people have been killed on our roads today. This includes five fatalities in one crash in Taupo this morning.
This horrific crash and two other fatal crashes this morning takes to 20 the number of people killed on our roads in the last eight days.
Any death on the road is one too many and each death impacts so many people including family, friends and colleagues.
“We are committed to reducing death and injury on our roads, and we work alongside our road safety partners to do this. But we cannot do it alone, we need everyone’s help to keep our roads safe,” said Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables.
"Remember, decisions you make as a driver impact not only on you, but on everybody else on the road. You have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers, and other road users to drive safely.
"Road safety is something we all have to take responsibility for,” said Assistant Commissioner Venables.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families/whanau, friends and communities affected by these tragic events," said NZ Transport Agency Director Safety and Environment, Harry Wilson.
“Every road tragedy has a ripple effect out into our communities, our workplaces and of course within families. With the Easter holiday period approaching, we are asking everyone to remember plan ahead, take regular breaks, and stay safe on our roads,” said Mr Wilson.
To all road users – please take care on the roads. Drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, don’t drive tired or after drinking or taking drugs, and put your cellphone away.
Watch a video message from Assistant Commissioner Venables:
