Weekend warning to drivers after fatal accident

One person died in a singlevehicle crash on State Highway 5 northwest of Rotorua early yesterday.

It was the second fatal crash in the area in as many days, and police are asking people to drive safely over the long weekend to prevent a repeat of the last holiday weekend’s terrible toll.

Police were notified of the crash near Fitzgerald Glade at about 3.10am. The only occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Cordons were in place where State Highway 5 intersects with Harwoods Rd and Tapapa Rd while a serious crash investigation was carried out.

The road did not fully reopen until just before 1pm.

Fitzgerald Glade Cafe owner Edward Lawrence said he believed the vehicle hit a tree west of the glade.

“The road has been closed since 3am. Our concern is with the family of the person involved.”

Lawrence said four trucks had been parked outside the cafe all morning.

It’s the second fatal crash in two days in the region after a person died on SH5 at

"We don’t want any more people in our communities to face the consequences of a bad decision on the road. So that means slowing down, taking your time, it’s not a race."

Superintendent Steve Greally

Waimangu south of Rotorua on Wednesday night.

As the Queen’s Birthday weekend got underway, police called on drivers to take care on the road.

Superintendent Steve Greally, director of the National Road Policing Centre, said police did not want to see 12 lives lost on the roads, as happened during the last long weekend for Anzac Day.

“The last long weekend was terrible. Twelve families who lost their loved ones. And others will be suffering life altering injuries as the result of a crash.

“We don’t want any more people in our communities to face the consequences of a bad decision on the road.

“So that means slowing down, taking your time, it’s not a race.”

He also advised people to make sure they had a good rest before driving, to eat and drink before setting off, buckle up and put the phone away.

“While you’re on the road take regular breaks so you stay fresh and alert, and never ever drive drunk,” said Greally.

The official Queen’s Birthday holiday period began at 4pm on Friday and ends at 6am on Tuesday.

Last Queen’s Birthday weekend, there were three deaths on New Zealand roads.