- In the Eastern Bay, a restraint not being worn is identified as high concern. It is often linked to alcohol impairment. Ten fatalities and 30 serious DSI crashes occurred during 2019-2023 due to not wearing a restraint (CAS, 2023).
- During the four-year period 2019-2023, there were 1503 crashes with 42 deaths, 188 serious injuries, 639 minor injuries and 842 non-injuries in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. This is compared to 1426 in 2016-2020 of 29 deaths and 121 serious injuries.
- Over the 2019 to 2023 period, alcohol and drug DSI crashes in the Eastern Bay were 53.97 percent, compared to 61 percent in 2020 (CAS, 2023). Most crashes (65.9 percent) were single party drivers. In addition, younger drivers were also over-represented, with 30.63 percent in the 15-24 year age group followed by 25-29 years with 14.41 percent (CAS, 2023).
- From 2019 to 2023, speed in the Whakatane District contributed to 19 percent (2 percent decrease), Opotiki 24.6 percent (3 percent increase) and Kawerau 33 percent (11 percent increase) of all DSI crashes compared to the national average of 15.43% (CAS, 2023). This highlights that speed and/or not driving to conditions is a major factor in the Eastern Bay.
- A total of 15 fatalities and serious crashes were attributed to distracted drivers in the 2019-2023 period resulting in a reduction of eight since 2018. Of these, 58 percent occurred on a bend, 33 percent on a straight road and eight percent involved the car rear-ending another or hitting an obstacle. A total of 66 percent occurred in daylight hours, 75 percent involved a single party, and most were spread reasonably evenly over the age groups (CAS, 2023).
- During the four-year period 2019-2023, 73 DSI crashes were attributed to young drivers, including 12 fatal and 61 serious crashes. Of these, 36 percent held a full licence and 16 percent a restricted licence. 21 percent held no licence. Alcohol and speed were the two most common crash factors (CAS, 2023).
- During the four-year period 2019-2023, nine fatalities and 40 serious crashes occurred. Poor handling and observation, too fast/speed and alcohol were the three most common crash factors. Causal factors may include other road users’ sight of motorcyclists.
Tips for good wet weather driving:
- Slow down and increase your following distance to at least four seconds.
- Look ahead 12 seconds for any big puddles. If you’re going too quickly when you hit a big, wet patch your car can lose its grip on the road.
- Watch out for spray from other vehicles, especially larger vehicles. Stay well behind them or drive to the left if they’re on the other side of the road.
- Take special care if it’s raining after a dry spell – when it’s dry, grease and dirt build up on the road, so when it starts to rain again it can be very slippery.
- Try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you; it’ll be slightly drier where another vehicle has travelled.
- Take extra care at night in wet conditions, as glare from streetlights can make it difficult to see road markings.
- If necessary, adjust your speed for the wet conditions (even though it may be less than the speed limit).