Region’s lowest road toll on record
The death of a motorcyclist near Bulls lifted the road toll for the Central police region to 22 in 2013 – the lowest number of deaths since reliable records began.
Aucklander Gregory John Spargo, 50, died in the December 31 crash on State Highway One 2km north of Bulls.
Feilding constable Luke Shannon said the investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing, and they were yet to determine how the accident happened or when it occurred.
Mr Spargo was found about 7.20am on Tuesday morning by a passing motorist in an area of bush beside the straight section of SH1.
His death was the 10th fatality on roads across the wider Manawatu in 2013, and was the first in the area last year to involve a motorcyclist.
Four of the fatal crashes occurred in the Manawatu District and three each in the Horowhenua and Rangitikei. There were no fatalities within the boundaries of Palmerston North City in 2013.
Central Districts road policing manager Inspector Dave White said the 22 deaths in the central police region were part of an encouraging national trend.
The number was though, he said.
‘‘ Even one death is one death too many,’’ Mr White said. ‘‘ There are other people who have been injured, some quite seriously.
‘‘ The road toll is just one measure of what’s happening on our roads.’’
The previous lowest toll in the region, which includes Manawatu, Whanganui and Taranaki, was 37 in 2011. Last year 47 people died in the region.
Mr White said for the families and friends of those who had died their grief was the same whether their loved one was one of 22 to die or one of 37 or 47.
‘‘ It’s encouraging that it’s figure but I still think of the who have lost somebody.’’
Mr White said almost all accidents were avoidable and could be attributed to factors such as excess speed, not wearing seat belts, drink driving and poor decision making.
The accident at Bulls was the sixth since the holiday period, which ends on January 4, began on December 24.
Since the start of December police have enforced a 4kmh tolerance on speeding instead of the usual 10kmh.
Mr White said anecdotal evidence
still
too
high a low people from his staff showed drivers had slowed down slightly in December with those who typically drove at 112 to 113kmh now doing 107 to 108kmh.