Police are taking a strong stance against unsafe driving behaviour by motorists this Easter Weekend.
After a disappointing start to the year on our roads, there has been an improvement to date in rates of deaths and serious injuries over February and March, but Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, says we can and must do much better.
"It’s about drivers and road users making simple decisions to keep themselves and others safe or they can expect to be ticketed," Greally says.
“Our officers will be out patrolling roads throughout Aotearoa over Easter weekend and will follow through the appropriate enforcement action if drivers and riders are deemed to be risking the safety of themselves and others,"
“It’s a serious stance we are taking to ensure we don’t see more lives lost on our roads,"
Police will be highly visible on the roads this long weekend to prevent unsafe behaviour and enforce laws, with a key focus on reducing road trauma and its impact on families.
Superintendent Greally urges drivers to consider the safety of others and their own when getting behind the wheel.
“Those split-second decisions when driving can put a life in the balance that’s why it’s important not to overlook them whenever or wherever you’re travelling,"
“It takes a second to either put your seatbelt on, share an Uber home or have a sober driver on hand, decide to leave that text or call alone, and slow down on any road,"
Any of these will improve the chances of you arriving at your destination safely.”
Motorists can also use the NZTA Waka Kotahi’s Easter Weekend Holiday Journey Planner, which provides information on travel times, delays, roadworks and road closures.
NZ Transport Agency Road Safety Manager Fabian Marsh urges drivers to reduce speed where temporary traffic management is in place.
“We want you to get to your friends and whānau safely,"
"When you’re out on the roads this Easter, drive to the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, make sure you’re rested, and plan ahead," Marsh says.
Police and Waka Kotahi also advise drivers to undertake basic safety checks of their vehicle, to help ensure a smoother journey over Easter Weekend.
Public Interest Journalism funded through New Zealand On Air.