Driving advocates are expressing concerns about the rise in fatal errors on roads attributed to frustrated drivers following the highest Easter long weekend road toll since 2021.
Although the official road death toll for the Easter period is yet to be confirmed, authorities have reported seven fatalities on the roads from 4 pm Thursday to 6 am Tuesday.
While the Ministry of Transport maintains a toll of six deaths, there is uncertainty regarding the inclusion of a collision involving a motorbike and a tractor in the count.
According to the Automobile Association, the escalating impatience and frustration among drivers are contributing to an increase in poor decision-making on our roads.
Dylan Thomsen, the AA’s road safety spokesperson, highlighted that drivers are endangering their lives due to engaging in risky behaviors.
Thomsen emphasized that the Easter weekend road toll marks the highest since 2021.
Dylan Thomsen from the AA offers advice for city-bound travelers.
Although it is premature to analyze the recent accidents specifically, Thomsen noted a concerning trend of heightened frustration, aggression, and misconduct on the roads, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
Expressing worry over the surge in “extremely reckless behavior,” Thomsen pointed out that while the overall road toll has decreased from approximately 530 to 340 since the late 1990s, a significant portion of fatal crashes still involve reckless and extreme actions.
He underscored the importance of potential legislative changes to permit the use of drug testing devices, similar to those utilized in Australia and Europe, to address the issue.
Thomsen advocated for increased police presence on the roads as a measure to reduce the number of fatalities.
Fatalities Over Easter Break
During the early hours of Sunday, a fatal crash occurred on State Highway 5 in Whakarewarewa, south of Rotorua, claiming one life.
Another fatality was reported in a three-vehicle collision at Okaramio, northwest of Blenheim, on Sunday afternoon, resulting in one death at the scene and two injuries.
On Saturday morning, a motorcyclist succumbed to injuries in a hospital following a collision with a tractor in the Matamata-Piako district.
Additionally, three tractor-related accidents were recorded on the same day.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives in a collision involving two vehicles and a motorcycle near Lake Pukaki. Three fatalities occurred at the scene on Saturday afternoon, while another individual, critically injured, passed away in the hospital two days later.
Among the deceased were two international students from the University of Canterbury, with one of them being the rider of the motorcycle.