Crash rate almost triple the average
THERE have been almost three times as many vehicle crashes during the holiday period than are usual, first responders say.
In the past month, police received reports of 42 vehicle crashes in Waitaki, up from about 15 per month which they typically receive.
Traffic incidents have also increased from the average of 100 to 163.
‘‘We’ve seen a huge increase in traffic complaints and vehicle accidents,’’ Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy said.
There had been an increased police presence around the Waitaki Lakes area over the holiday period.
Drivers were encouraged to keep small but important things in mind while driving, such as lane changes and following distances.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Waitaki group manager Mike Harrison said Waitaki fire crews were ‘‘relatively busy’’ over the holiday period with 25 callouts, including several vehicle accidents and vegetation fires.
There had also been an increase in callouts in the Waitaki Lakes area.
‘‘There is definitely an uptick, especially up the Waitaki Valley.’’
There were 10 fewer callouts compared to the holiday period last year, which Mr Harrison credited to a reduction in false alarms and medical callouts in coastal Waitaki.
One notable incident occurred near Kurow, where a fuel tanker’s brakes and tyres caught fire.
Crews were able to put out the fire before the rest of the truck caught alight.
There had been an increase in medical callouts around the Upper Waitaki, but that was expected considering the number of people visiting the area, Mr Harrison said.