Motorists urged to slow down following two crashes

Emergency services attending Morrinsville-Tahuna Rd crash. Photo / supplied

Police are urging holiday motorists to slow down following the second serious speed-related crash in Waikato in as many days.

Officer in charge of the summer policing operation in Whangamata, Senior Sergeant Freda Grace, said yesterday police came upon a two-car collision, with one car on fire, resulting from one of the vehicles apparently failing to negotiate a corner.

The crash happened on the Morrinsville-Tahuna Rd about 2.30pm.

"There were four people injured in the crash, the sole occupant of one vehicle and three people in the other. All were taken by ambulance to Waikato Hospital with a variety of injuries," Ms Grace said.

"What concerns us is this crash comes a day after a similar one which left six people injured and closed State Highway 25 around the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula for several hours. The road where today's crash happened is a major link road with the rest of the Waikato."

The road was not re-opened until spilt fuel and battery acid had been contained meaning many more motorists were inconvenienced because of a moment's driver inattention, Ms Grace said.

"Outside this time of year, the permanent population of the Coromandel Peninsula is less than 15,000 but over the Christmas/ New Year Holiday period this figure swells to over 100,000, that's about 85,000 more people who have to get in and out of our area using our local winding roads."

Ms Grace said drivers need to be cautious when using Coromandel roads during peak periods and factor in delays when planning their trips.

"Remember to allow breathing space between you and other motorists.

"This is a rugged rural landscape and you are a long way from any help in an area with poor cell-phone coverage. Our advice to drivers is to watch your speed and ensure that you do all you can to make sure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely."