SH 7 between Hanmer Springs and the Lewis Pass - RESPONSIBLE FOR NUMBER OF DEATHS

**TOTO** · 14th August 2008, 11:59

Originally Posted by NZ POLICE

A short stretch of highway is disproportionately responsible for the number of deaths on Canterbury roads. 63 km of SH 7 between Hanmer Springs and the Lewis Pass account for 10% of the fatalities on Canterbury State Highways and that is just during six months of the year. That is of real concern to Police.

During the months of July to December, over the three year period 2005 to 2007, State Highway 7 in North Canterbury has been over represented in the number of serious injury and fatal road crashes. Police are especially concerned about the high incidence of head-on crashes on the stretch of highway between the Hanmer Springs turnoff and the Lewis Pass, where six people have lost their lives.

"This is unacceptable", says Senior Constable Richard Parker of the Canterbury Highway Patrol. "Speed is a major factor which leads to many crashes, and certainly has a direct effect on the outcome of any crash regardless of cause. The faster you go the bigger the mess", he says.

Police enforcement in the area will be stepped up over the coming months, with specific emphasis on drivers who speed or fail to keep left. Often the speed limit is too fast for weather or road conditions, and many drivers are caught out when they enter a bend too quickly and drift across the centreline.

"Speed advisory signs are there for a reason", says Senior Constable Parker. "Driver fatigue and just plain bad driving are also major contributors to head-on crashes, and offending drivers can expect to be prosecuted."

With the summer months and holiday season approaching it is timely to remember that every life lost on the road will leave an empty seat at the Christmas table of a family somewhere.

"No family can afford to pay that price", says Richard Parker.

In the first two weekends of this operation 135 infringement notices have been issued, mostly for speed. The highest recorded speed was 162km/h, with a 20 year old West Coast man arrested for reckless driving and failing to stop for Police.

Total road deaths for Canterbury

2005 44

2006 33

2007 56

2008 to day 26

Take it easy out there boys and girls on a car or bike.

**FJRider** · 14th August 2008, 12:04

Have you EVER been over that road ???????????

**TOTO** · 14th August 2008, 12:15

i will be at some point during my next tour...

**paulmac:Me** · 14th August 2008, 12:34

That section is a good, open, fast run. - in summer !

**limbimtimwim** · 14th August 2008, 12:51

For most people, danger = fun.

It's part of what makes us human. It's a good road.

**Mikkel** · 14th August 2008, 12:51

Sounds awesome - means there'll be less cops in Arthur's Pass then.

**FJRider** · 14th August 2008, 12:56

A few narrow bridges and deceptive bends, but requires no "extra" caution than ANY other road. A bloody nice Motocycle road. It does have a high traffic flow count though...more traffic, more accidents ....

**EJK** · 14th August 2008, 13:00

Originally Posted by Mikkel

Sounds awesome - means there'll be less cops in Arthur's Pass then.

...Less Green and White Mercedes too

P.S. South Island have St Johns right?

**Mikkel** · 14th August 2008, 13:03

Originally Posted by EJK

...Less Green and White Mercedes too

P.S. South Island have St Johns right?

Yeah, but they're white and yellow down here.

**FJRider** · 14th August 2008, 13:07

Originally Posted by Mikkel

Sounds awesome - means there'll be less cops in Arthur's Pass then.

NO... Even higher traffic flow. Even heavier policed...

**WasPhantom** · 14th August 2008, 13:33

Alas I know someone that crashed his 'bike, killing his pillion, and nearly severing his arm on that stretch of road. And that was over Christmas. Not a good area at all.

**Tank** · 14th August 2008, 13:49

Suzuki are holding next years Boulevard Rally down in Hanmer Springs - And Im really looking forward to the roads down there.

Like all nice bike roads - S/W 16, Coro Loop etc etc - you just have to ride to the conditions and take care.

Obv - its just where people seem to under estimate the road and over estimate their skill level. Like anyone here would do that

**Mikkel** · 14th August 2008, 14:23

Originally Posted by FJRider

NO... Even higher traffic flow. Even heavier policed...

Well, there are only so many police cars and so many officers to operate them. If they are going to step up enforcement in Lewis they'll have to come from somewhere else...

**cooneyr** · 14th August 2008, 14:47

LOL - they are finally going to patrol that bit of road. Till fuel prices rose wifey and I use to drive that bit of road both ways almost monthly for about 6 years. Saw a cop at most 2 or 3 times between Hanmer and Springs during this time.

Oh well not to worry - the Rainbow is a much better alternative for those who don't mind gravel (high speed flowing gravel) and fords

Cheers R