Editorial: Horror road toll is gutting

Gutting. Just when New Zealanders thought we were starting to reduce our horror road toll, we have a weekend like the one that's just been.

Seven people were dead yesterday as a result of crashes. Four of them - at least - should still be alive. Four men were killed in northern Hawke's Bay early on Saturday after spending a night drinking at a local pub and possibly at another house.

On their way home, the driver failed to take a bend and the vehicle crashed into a nearby paddock, throwing two of them out of the car.

Police have confirmed alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash.

I'm sure popular actress Robyn Malcolm won't make the mistake of drinking and driving again. She confessed at the weekend she is likely to face a drink-driving charge, describing herself as a "bloody idiot" for deciding to get behind the wheel after a few glasses of wine two weeks ago.

An initial breath alcohol test has put her over the limit but she's waiting for blood test results before police formally charge her.

How embarrassing for the Outrageous Fortune star to have to admit this. She is a role model for many.

The "don't drink and drive" message has been hammered into us for a few decades now. Who knows, it might have contributed to our lowest Easter road toll of zero this year.

What a shame we can't celebrate another success after this weekend.

What do you think? Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.