Police have released details of several tragic road crashes during the holiday period, even as the overall road toll for 2024/2025 has shown a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
This year’s holiday period road toll provisionally stands at 13, a marked improvement from last year’s total of 22. However, Director of Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally, emphasised that every life lost on the road is a devastating event.
“That’s still 13 families who have had their lives irrevocably changed at what should be a happy and festive time of year, and our hearts go out to them,” Superintendent Greally said.
Police continue to focus on road safety, urging drivers to buckle up, drive at safe speeds, avoid distractions like cellphones, and stay free from alcohol, drugs, and fatigue. Officers will remain visible across the country throughout the summer to deter unsafe driving behaviors.
Among the holiday tragedies, Police have released the names of those who lost their lives in recent crashes:
- Susanti Halim (36) of Karaka, who died in a crash on Karaka Road on December 18.
- Cody Blair Storer (24) of Balclutha, who passed away in a single-vehicle crash on December 20.
- Derek Te Iwi Kau Studd (58) of Wharehine, Auckland, who died in a crash on Pah Hill Road, Wellsford, on December 24.
- Anthony Nelson Botica (28) of Pukekawa, who lost his life in a crash on Morrison Road, Pukekawa, on December 15.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding each crash are ongoing.
Greally reiterated the shared responsibility of road safety: “Our officers are working tirelessly, but we need drivers to do their bit too.”
Image credit: Chris Liverani
Could it be, there are far fewer people who can afford summer vacation and travel that has reduced the death toll.
Ah so that’s why the government are doing everything in their power to make us poorer.
Because they really do care 🙂🌈