Police say they're "extremely frustrated" following a spate of deaths on New Zealand's roads over the last 10 days.
Nineteen people were killed in 15 separate crashes as of Monday evening – 13 more deaths so far this year compared to the same point last year.
Of that number, 16 of the deaths occurred on open roads with 100km/h speed limits and no traffic safety barriers.
Nine crashes that occurred on roads with a 100km/h speed limit involved a vehicle that crossed the centreline, colliding with another car. Eleven people were killed in these crashes. Three other deaths on 100km/h roads were caused by off-road crashes.
Two fatal crashes since April 20 involved motorcycles, while six of those killed were not wearing seatbelts – including one on a road with a 50km/h speed limit.
Inspector Peter McKennie said police's thoughts "are first and foremost with the families who have lost loved ones so tragically in recent days".
"Any death on the road is one too many."
However, McKennie said police were "disappointed" and called the numbers "concerning".
Fourteen crashes in seven days
In the last seven days, 14 people have died in crashes.
One person died this afternoon following a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Mile Flat Rd and SH1 near Hampden in North Otago. Another person was critically injured, and two others sustained minor injuries.
Yesterday, two people were found dead following a two-vehicle crash on SH1 near Kinleith. Hours earlier, a person was killed and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 near Maharakeke Rd.
On April 27, three people were killed on SH1 north of Waiouru when a car and a tanker truck collided.
On April 25, two people were killed on SH36 near Rotorua when a vehicle collided with another after crossing the centreline.
'Could have been avoided'
McKennie said any death on the road was "one too many", and police were "extremely frustrated due to the fact many of these deaths could have been avoided with safer driving behaviours".
"Everyone should be extremely concerned about the rate of people being killed on New Zealand roads," he said.
"Police remain committed to keeping everyone safe on our roads, and work alongside our road safety partners to do this. But we cannot do it alone; we need everyone’s help to keep our roads safe."
McKennie said police urged all motorists to "take extra care on roads with speed limits greater than 80km/h that have no traffic safety barriers in place".
"Any mistake on those roads can quickly end in tragedy."
he urged drivers to "never underestimate the decisions you make".
"They can affect not only you and those in your vehicle, but everyone else on the road around you as well."
According to provisional stats from the Ministry of Transport, 35 people have been killed on our roads since the start of April – the highest road toll for the month since 2022, when 37 were killed.
McKennie said there was "simply no excuse" for drivers to endanger their lives and the lives of others with "unsafe behaviours".
"Simple behaviours like buckling up before you travel; not getting behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue; staying fully focused on the road without any distractions; and slowing down are crucial in avoiding crashes and deaths."
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