Police issue warning after serious crashes

Rural and recreational users of 4WDs and ATVs are being reminded to practice safety after two serious incidents over the weekend.

Southern District road policing officer Craig Brown asked drivers to think of their safety and practices, particularly when using the vehicles on rural properties.

“This comes as police attended two serious incidents in Otago and Southland, resulting in two people receiving serious injuries.”

One of the crashes involved an ATV that rolled on a private rural property off Mt Linton Rd, near Ohai, at 8.45pm on Saturday.

he young person using the ATV was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition on Sunday morning.

The second incident involved a 4WD that rolled into a gully while a group was hunting in the Danseys Pass area, Brown said. A man was flown to hospital in a serious condition early on Sunday morning.

“With the roar season upon us and the duck hunting season coming up, this is a timely reminder to all hunters that whether on the road or off, it is essential to follow good safety practices while operating and being around vehicles.”

Brown advised those with these vehicle to remember to avoid drink-driving, wear a seatbelt and helmet where applicable, drive to the conditions and to their abilities, and stay alert to surroundings.

Police wanted everybody to enjoy their hobbies, or work, in the outdoors safely, Brown said.

“Everybody has a responsibility to themselves and others, on the tracks or work environment, to do their bit to achieve this.”