Kāpiti-Mana Police have released the name of the pedestrian who died at the scene of a fatal crash on SH1 at Raumati this week as 46-year-old local man Rodney Thompson.
Early indications are that Mr Thompson was attempting to hitchhike in dark clothing in the middle of the night before being struck by the truck.
Police understand that several motorists saw Mr Thompson on the side of road and one may have had a near miss but did not contact Police.
Senior Sergeant Alasdair Macmillan says, “Police do not recommend that anyone hitchhikes for a variety of safety reasons especially near a four lane state highway at night with cars travelling at open road speeds”.
“Anyone who is concerned about someone’s safety or behaviour on the road, or who has a near miss, should call Police immediately on 111”.
The truck driver has been very shaken by the incident and is taking some time at home.
The Serious Crash Unit and Kāpiti Police are continuing their investigation.
Police praised the patience of commuters travelling through the area this later in the morning.
