Bay of Plenty roading police manager Inspector Brent Crowe is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads. Photo / File
Bay of Plenty roading police manager Inspector Brent Crowe is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads. Photo / File
With two deaths on Bay of Plenty roads within two weeks and pre-lockdown traffic levels and winter conditions approaching, police say extra caution and sensible driving is needed now.
With more vehicles on the road and the hazardous conditions that come with winter, Bay of Plenty roading police manager Inspector Brent Crowe is urging drivers to do all they can to ensure safe journeys.
Crowe said for the most part driver behaviour had been good, however, police were concerned at a rise in speeds in the upper limits, especially on open roads.
"As we ease out of level 4 and 3 restrictions, traffic volume on Bay of Plenty roads is returning to pre-Covid levels.
"With increased traffic volume and high speeds comes more crashes and unfortunately the Bay of Plenty has recorded two fatal crashes since our move out of level 4."
The scene of a fatal motorbike accident in Koromiko St, Judea on March 18. Photo / File
Crowe said the need for sensible driving was even more important as we head into winter.
"With us coming out of Covid restrictions and heading into winter, drivers will need to make some adjustments. With the roads becoming wet and icy, increase following distances, drive to the conditions and stay focused on the task at hand; getting from A to B safely."
Triple One Towing and Transport owner Billy Macfarlane, whose services include removing written off vehicles from crash scenes in Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty region, said he had definitely been busier since moving to level 2.
"Level 4 was quiet, just a couple of crashes but not many call-outs, just about nothing. Usually we're on the go, non-stop all day. In normal times we probably have between three and five crashes a week we get called to.
Triple One Towing owner Billy Macfarlane has been busy since lockdown ended. Photo / Andrew Warner
"We were really busy in the first couple of weeks, there was a lot of backlog with general cartage of equipment and machinery which couldn't be done during lockdown. There have been a few more crashes and I'm definitely seeing a lot of near misses when I'm out on the road."
It was not just accidents which had increased in level 2. Macfarlane said a lot more people were having mechanical issues after their cars had been out of use for so long during lockdown.
"I've noticed there's been a few jump-starts and battery issues. Batteries generally don't like, after everyday use, all of a sudden not being used. We've actually got a lot of calls for that sort of thing.
A road cordon at Dansey road after fatal crash on SH5 on Monday. Photo / Andrew Warner
"[Heading into winter] vehicle maintenance is really important. Check your tyres, check your lights, all that sort of thing. We've had all this dry weather too so there will be a lot of oil on the road, be aware of that and keep your distance."
Tips for driving in poor, wintery conditions:
• Check your route is free from slips and closures.
