I hope everyone had a good long weekend. It was good to see many from the local community at the Anzac ceremony.
Deb Hann lays a wreath on Anzac Day. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Last week I mentioned firearm safety. The gun safety rules apply to airgun use too. In good catches this past week, we received a report of a person firing an airgun out onto Lake Karāpiro.
At the time there were a number of people using the domain. It is an offence to use an airgun in or near a dwelling or public place so as to endanger property or endanger, annoy or frighten any person. Police attended and located a female with the airgun. A search of her vehicle also located live ammunition rounds. She was arrested and will appear in court on related charges. Thanks to those who rang to report it.
In other incidents over the last seven days, officers dealt with a missing person, two burglaries, 11 thefts, six family harm matters, five assaults, threats and intimidation, an arson, trespass, two bail breaches, three drunk drivers, a crash plus various front counter reports.
Last week, I and other officers attended a traffic crash where a vehicle had hit three others.
The driver of the offending car was found to have had a medical event. It is important to be aware of the effect that medical conditions and even some medications can have on our ability to drive. Anyone who has such an incident is forbidden from driving until they gain medical clearance through NZTA. It is a legal requirement for drivers to disclose medical conditions as requested on NZTA driver licensing forms. They must also stop driving when medically suspended or revoked, or when their doctor tells them they are unfit to drive. Drivers otherwise should not drive if they are impaired in any way – including due to prescribed medications. Among a long list of side effects, certain medications can make a person drowsy, cause nausea, blurred vision, slow reactions and confusion.
A person may not always realise they are impaired and that the effects felt may continue after the day on which medication is initially taken. It is important to always check with your doctor about your ability to drive when taking prescription medication.
If you ever feel unwell or affected, err on the side of caution and ask someone else to drive you. The last thing you want to do is cause a crash at risk of injuring yourself or others.
