On the Beat
I would like to begin by expressing my sincere condolences to all those affected by the recent tragic events at Mauao, Mount Maunganui. I recognise that the emotional impact and sense of loss are being felt deeply across our community. My thoughts are also with the emergency responders and community volunteers whose compassion and dedication supported others during this difficult time.
Senior constable Deb Hann inside the police station. Photo: Aaron Radford.
Here in Waipa, school is back after summer holidays. It is a great time for some reminders to help keep our younger community members safe. While summer weather is here, many students will be walking, scootering and cycling to and from school. It is important that we drive defensively, be aware of our surroundings and give way at pedestrian crossings.
Young people can be unpredictable and don’t always demonstrate the best road sense. If you are a parent, please ensure your child is equipped with appropriate safety and visibility equipment, especially helmets and have the necessary skills and experience to make the commute safely. It is a good idea to periodically ride or scoot the school route with your child, to observe first hand how they cope in different situations. Every child has a different skill level.
Please also educate your children around appropriate behaviour around other road users especially pedestrians. Cyclists should keep to designated cycle lanes or dismount and walk their bicycles on the pavements through town. Too often, students speed through our towns on the pavements, sometimes doing wheelies or weaving in and out of pedestrians. It is illegal to ride a bicycle on footpaths (unless a child’s trike or small bicycle with small diameter wheels). The risks posed by speeding or weaving demonstrate the reasoning why.
On the topic of road users, in the past week, the teams in Cambridge received four reports of traffic crashes and stopped one person driving with excess breath alcohol. Te Awamutu staff received seven reports of traffic crashes and two people were caught driving with excess breath alcohol.
The crashes ranged from fender benders to collisions with inanimate objects and stock. Failing to maintain sufficient following distance, especially in slow moving queued traffic featured in a few cases.
Distraction through use of a mobile phone, also common in slow moving traffic, was a factor in one case. If you connect you phone to your car via Bluetooth, you will be a safer driver, able to be aware of your surroundings, and less importantly, avoid a fine and demerit points.
