Two motorists killed, hours apart, as dangerous holiday period begins

December 22, 2018

One person has died overnight in a single-car crash near Tauranga – the second fatal crash in less than 24 hours since the kick off what New Zealand Police consider the official Christmas holiday period.

The crash occurred around 4.30am on Te Puna Road. Another person in the car sustained serious injuries.

Bay of Plenty police have asked that anyone who witnessed the crash contact them at 07 577 4300.

Just hours earlier, another single-car crash – this one in Christchurch – resulted in the death of the vehicle’s only occupant.

The male driver crashed the vehicle around 9pm on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway, between Curletts Road and the Aidanfield bridge, resulting in the motorway being temporarily closed. The man died at the scene, police said.

Police have urged motorists in New Zealand to drive to the conditions.

During the holiday period, which started at 4pm yesterday and runs through till 6am January 7, police will be more strictly enforcing the speed limit. Drivers caught going more than 4km/ over the speed limit can expect a fine, whereas normally a 10km/h threshold is allowed.

Last year saw 12 road deaths over 12 days, as well as 90 serious injuries.

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