Don’t become another cross this Easter [video]

All road users are being urged to make history for a second time this Easter holiday weekend by ensuring no-one dies on our roads – as Police will be out in numbers targeting speed, alcohol and other unsafe behavior.

The call comes as 2012 was the first ever Easter weekend since records began 57 years ago that no-one was killed on New Zealand roads during the weekend.

The official holiday period begins at 4pm on Thursday (28 March) and ends at 6am on Tuesday April 2.

“Last Easter we showed that we all can make a very real difference by collectively watching our speed, wearing our seatbelts, not driving drunk and maintaining our concentration, particularly as more people travel away over the break,” says Superintendent Carey Griffiths, National manager Road Policing. “We’d love to see a repeat of that zero statistic this holiday weekend, and ask that everyone does their bit to make it happen.

“Police will be doing their part with a highly visible presence that will focus on enforcement of the normal lowered 4km/h tolerance that applies during holiday periods, and the targeting of drunk, dangerous and other unsafe driving behavior in both rural and urban areas,” he says.

The enforcement will also be supported by  a short television campaign designed to remind everyone to take extra care on the roads this Easter.  

“Since 1956, more than 560 people have been killed in crashes on our roads on Easter weekends – with last year the only exception. It would be outstanding if we were able to repeat last year’s result this weekend and make history for a second time,” Mr Griffiths says. “That will mean fewer crosses marking our roadsides and fewer families grieving the loss of loved ones.”

During the long weekend, Police will also be joining with Australian Police jurisdictions as part of Operation Crossroads, to focus awareness about road safety issues.