No charges were laid following a multi-vehicle crash in east Auckland last year that left one person dead and several others injured.
The incident happened on Whitford-Maraetai Road in Beachlands at about 6.35am on June 10.
At the time, a police spokesperson said emergency services responded to the crash, which involved three vehicles.
“Sadly, one person received critical injuries and died at the scene.
“Police extend our condolences to their loved ones at this difficult time.
“Two other people were reported to have received injuries ranging from moderate to minor and were transported to hospital.
“The Serious Crash Unit was in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.”
The Times recently asked police for an update, with a spokesperson responding that the investigation has been filed and no charges were laid.
The person who died in the Beachlands crash was one of more than 290 people who lost their lives on New Zealand’s roads last year.
Police say while there has been a reduction in the number of families torn apart by road deaths this past year, any number is too high.
Superintendent Steve Greally says police are doing everything they can to help bring the number down.
“Our officers have done, and are doing, as much as humanly possible out on the roads working to reduce the number of death and serious-injury crashes.”
Police have more than doubled the number of alcohol breath tests conducted over the last several years and are on track to conduct more than four million by the end of the financial year in June, 2025.
Police has also had the same focus on speed enforcement.
Since December, 2022, when police launched Operation Open Roads, New Zealand has seen a significant reduction in death and serious injury.
“Our frontline is passionate about preventing serious crashes, so if you’re one of those people who is determined to put people’s lives at risk and you are caught, you should not expect a warning,” Greally says.
“Given the increased levels of Police enforcement, the chances of being caught are high.
“What we need is for drivers to do their bit, and that’s to consciously make sensible decisions before they get behind the wheel, and when they’re on the road.”
Greally says the role of the motorist is very simple.
“Ensure everyone in your vehicle is safely buckled up, drive at a safe speed for the conditions under the speed limit, put your cellphone away, and ensure you’re driving free of fatigue, alcohol, and drugs.”
Police are urging those travelling over the summer period to take heed of this advice, have patience, and get to where they’re going safely.
