Police have called on the community to do their part to help reduce driving fatalities and serious injuries after five people died on Central Otago roads in less than a month.
Two of the crashes involved motorcycles and one crash is still under investigation.
A two-vehicle crash involving a ute and a motorcycle in the Cromwell Gorge on February 12 left two people dead, while a motorcyclist died on February 17 in Bannockburn Rd.
A person died in a single-vehicle crash in Glassford Rd, Drybread, about 11pm on February 20.
On Monday night, just before midnight, a person died following a crash near Cromwell.
Police said the single-vehicle crash occurred near the intersection of State Highways 8 and 8B.
"These types of crashes are avoidable, but it requires motorists to make a conscious decision to focus on driving safe," he said.
Snr Sgt Watt said the crashes left families forced to deal with the devastating consequences, which could have been avoided.
"Our hearts are with the families of those involved. The officers who work so hard in this area do so because we know the tragic consequences of these crashes."
Echoing a similar statement in February from Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley, Sgt Watt said the crashes had a ripple effect in the community, affecting other motorists, witnesses and the people who were first on the scene.
"Every fatal crash also has an impact on attending emergency services personnel," he said.
Police had urged the community to take road safety seriously.
"Slow down, don’t drive impaired and make good judgement calls — your life literally depends on it."
Police would be out on the roads where they would carry out enforcement around excess speed, impairment, restraints and distractions, he said.
"But keeping people safe is a team effort, and drivers have to do their part."
Motorists were encouraged to report any unsafe driving behaviour on the roads and to contact police as soon as possible.
"Call police, either via 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 if it’s after the fact," Snr Sgt Watt said.
