Slow up and observe road signs

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 13, 30 August 1983, Page 1

Slow up and observe road signs

Speed and failure to observe 'Give Way' signs have caused two serious road , accidents involving extensive damage to 5 motor vehicles at Ohakune intersections in recent weeks, said local traffic officer Graeme Cole. At least one of the vehicles was a 'write-off.' Both intersections were clearly signposted with 'Give Way' signs and both accidents occurred when one of the vehicles in each instance, failed to observe the signs. The first accident involving failure to Give Way at an intersection occurred on Saturday morning 23 July when a Ford Falcon travelling westward along Shannon Street went through the Give Way sign and collided with the car of a local man, Kevin Munn, who was travelling south along Miro Street. The force of the impact 'shunted' Mr Munn's car across the road and into the path of an oncoming vehicle belonging to another local resident, Mrs Robin Buckingham. Surprisingly, in view of the damage and the speeds at which impact occurred, no serious injury was suffered by any of the occupants of the three vehicles. The second accident involving failure to give way at an intersection occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning 14 August when a car belonging to another winter visitor was being driven eastward along Ayr-

Street. It collided with a car being driven by a local resident at the intersection with Goldfinch Street. It was snowing heavily at the time. Damage to the visitor' s vehicle was extensive . . "it looked as if it had impacted twice when it slewed round on the slippery hard-packed snow surface after failing to give way at the intersection,"

said Traffic Officer Cole. Once again there was no serious injury. Traffic Officer Cole stressed the need for all motorists to observe road signs and markings and keep their speeds down before serious injury occured. It is understood a prosecution is pending in this second incident also.