Distracted drivers lead to minor crashes

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter says drivers need to be aware of travelling distances and surroundings. Photo supplied

Driver distraction is believed to be the key cause behind a series of minor crashes around the region this weekend.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter says four crashes were reported on Saturday.

'On Saturday morning we were alerted to a campervan that had rolled on the Hewlett's Road fly-over.

'Road blockages were in place for a time and no injuries were reported.”

Following this, police were also called to a crash on Links Ave, where a car hit a power pole on Saturday afternoon.

'The driver in this crash escaped injuries.”

Another minor crash then happened outside McDonalds Greerton, says Wayne.

'This was a nose-to-tail accident. A car had stopped at a pedestrian crossing and another hit it from behind.

'No injuries were reported in this crash either.”

He says police were then called to a crash on Ohauiti Rd later in the afternoon.

'A car full of young people had crashed into a tree. The driver blew 291mcg, which is over the limit.

'Obviously because that driver was over the limit they had to call someone to pick them up. Upon breath test we discovered the person who came to pick them up was over the limit as well.”

He says distraction and alcohol were the leading causes behind the crashes.

'You have to be aware of your environment and surroundings. Also, be mindful of your travelling distances.”

The accidents were followed later that night by a fatal crash in Whakamarama which killed one person and seriously injured three others.

The cause of the crash is not yet known, says Wayne.

'We are still in the initial early stages of the investigation behind this crash.”

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