Motorists Urged to Take Care This Long Weekend

Police and emergency services are urging motorists to slow down, stay alert and drive to the conditions ahead of the King’s Birthday long weekend.

With increased traffic expected across the country, authorities say patience and safe driving decisions will be critical in preventing serious crashes.

Whakatāne Police senior sergeant Cam Mackinnon said holiday traffic traditionally leads to congestion, particularly around Whakatāne’s single-lane bridge out of town.

“Historically, we get more traffic coming in and out of town as people go away for the long weekend,” he said.

“It’s just a reminder around safe following distances, a good two to four seconds. It’s appreciated by the person in front of you and behind you, generally to be patient.”

Mackinnon reminded drivers to keep within speed limits and allow extra time for journeys, “to ensure you get home safe.”

Community constable Rob Jones said motorists should expect heavier traffic volumes and adapt their driving to winter conditions.

“If the conditions aren’t good or you’re travelling early morning or if there’s rain, you might have to slow it down more,” he said.

Jones said one of the most common issues he observed on the roads was drivers following too closely behind other vehicles.

“You need to be a good two, three, four seconds behind and just think to yourself, if I suddenly hit the brake, do I have time to stop?”

He encouraged travellers not to rush and to factor extra time into trips.

“If your travel distance is two hours, maybe give yourself two and a half hours or three hours, just give yourself time to get there.”

Drivers are also urged to take breaks if tired, share driving responsibilities where possible, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travel.

“Lights on if the weather’s not good, make sure your vehicle can be seen,” Jones said.

“Check your tyres are pumped up. Are your tyres at the right pressure? All those little things, especially as winter’s setting in, to keep you and your family safe.”

In a joint message, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Hato Hone St John said road users needed to seriously consider their own safety and that of others during the long weekend.

Superintendent Steve Greally, director of road policing, said police would continue focusing enforcement on the main contributors to fatal and serious crashes.

“We’ve seen too many lives lost so far this year due to people driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, driving while distracted when using a mobile phone or not being properly restrained,” he said.

“Our officers unapologetically focus on these behaviours in an effort to prevent other families and communities from being torn apart due to a crash that could have been avoided.”

Fire and Emergency deputy national commander Megan Stiffler reminded motorists to slow down near crash scenes and move aside for emergency vehicles.

“When you see flashing lights or hear sirens, stay calm, slow down, and safely pull over to the left to let the fire truck, the Police car or the ambulance pass,” she said.

Hato Hone St John general manager of ambulance operations, Stuart Cockburn, said ambulance crews attend more than 17,000 road crashes every year, many involving children.

Frontline staff continued to see children not properly restrained or travelling in incorrectly fitted car seats, he said.

“This long weekend, we are asking everyone to do the simple things that can save lives: drive to the conditions, be patient, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and make sure every person in the vehicle is properly restrained.”

Emergency services are reminding road users that simple actions — slowing down, driving sober, putting phones away and wearing seatbelts — can make all the difference on the roads this long weekend.