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After the second fatality in three months, a Stillwater resident has urged motorists to take extra care on the stretch of East Coast Road that runs above Stillwater past Jackson Way, Wilks and Spur Road.
In April, a head-on crash occurred between a truck and car near Wilks Road, with the car driver dying later in hospital from his injuries.
The latest incident was a two-car collision on June 4, with one driver dying at the scene and the other suffering moderate injuries.
As both incidents are still under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit, no further comment from the police was available however they advised that two further fatal crashes have occurred on this stretch of road since 2022.
The Stillwater resident, who asked not to be named, says it is a tricky stretch of road to navigate because of the proximity of the Jackson Way and Wilks Roads intersections, and the speed of cars coming over the crest of the hill south of the intersections.
They said they usually avoided turning right onto East Coast Road when coming out of Jackson Way, especially when towing a horse float, over concerns they wouldn’t be seen in sufficient time by north-bound traffic.
The recent crashes were distressing for everyone, they said, and their heart went out to the families of everyone concerned.
“Drivers need to be more aware along that stretch of people turning out and look out for them, especially at night and in bad weather,” they said.
NZTA crash data shows, apart from the fatal incidents, a number of serious and minor accidents occurred around both intersections over the past 15 years.
Auckland Transport’s (AT) Head of Road Safety Engineering Micheal Brown says that they are aware of several historical crashes along East Coast Road and specifically on the section where the fatal crashes occurred. He says two road safety improvement projects are scheduled for delivery in the next financial year.
“Safety improvements, including localised widening and a right-turn bay, will be implemented at the East Coast Road and Wilks Road intersection. Additionally, road markings and signage enhancements will be made at the East Coast Road and Spur Road intersection, with further electronic signage under investigation.”
AT also encourages motorists to drive cautiously in winter, check weather conditions, maintain visibility with clean windscreens, use headlights, reduce speed on wet roads, maintain safe following distances, stay alert and avoid distractions.
