Alcohol a factor in weekend crashes

Alcohol is thought to have been a significant factor in this weekend’s holiday road toll.

In the past 24 hours (June 2) , pedestrians have died in Otane and Lincoln, a passenger was killed when the vehicle he was in left the road south of Stratford and four men died when their vehicle flipped in Putorino in the Hawke’s Bay.

Police Acting National Road Policing Manager, Superintendent Rob Morgan, says alcohol is thought to be a factor in three of the four crashes.

“We are extremely saddened by this loss of life and we’re urging people not to drink and drive. Personal responsibility is the key to staying as safe possible on the roads.

“We’ll say it again – if you are going to be drinking, don’t drive. If you’re with friends, nominate one of your group to be the sober driver.”

Mr Morgan says Police will continue to be out in force this weekend.

“We’re asking the public to join us and our partners in taking the steps needed to make sure every journey is a safer journey,” Mr Morgan says.