With Canterbury's road toll at a record low level, Police are calling on motorists to keep up their safe driving and ensure a repeat of last summer's fatality-free holiday period.
So far this year, 29 people have died on Canterbury roads, compared to 46 at the same time last year - the lowest level since at least the 1970s.
During last year's Christmas holiday period there were no fatal crashes in Canterbury. However there were 22 injury crashes and 32 non-injury crashes, resulting in four serious injuries and 22 minor injuries.
"It has been a much better year on our roads," says Inspector Al Stewart, Canterbury Road Policing Manager. "The majority of drivers are clearly getting the road safety message and making sure they don't speed, don't drink and drive, and wear seat belts.
"With the holiday period coming up we're urging drivers to keep up the good work and focus on enjoying a safe journey.
"Over the next couple of weeks people will be celebrating, enjoying outdoor activities and travelling away on holiday. Our message to drivers is simple - keep to the speed limit, drive to the conditions and don't mix alcohol and driving."
Police are also urging drivers to take lots of breaks on long trips, or share the driving where possible.
"Fatigue, especially on state highways, stands out as a prominent factor in many crashes during this time of year.
"It's not about getting to your destination fast, but getting there safely. If you are getting tired, swap drivers where you can to have a break, or pull over at one of the rest areas.
"If you are getting annoyed by the behaviour of some of the drivers around you, don't let a moment of frustration lead you to making a bad decision by passing unsafely or tailgating," says Inspector Stewart.
Canterbury Police also urge drivers to report any dangerous or careless driving they are seeing.
"We will have staff out on the highways all during the holiday period and really want to hear about poor driving when it happens so we can take that driver off the roads straight away if we need to."
As well as safe driving, Police are also calling for drivers to check their vehicle safety these holidays.
"Every driver on the roads this summer needs to make sure that their vehicle is in a safe condition," Inspector Stewart says.
"We were really disappointed to find so many unsafe vehicles on our roads over the past weekend during Operation Traction. "Police ordered 173 vehicles off the road in three days, many with basic issues that that should have been dealt with by their drivers.
"One driver was caught driving with a steering wheel which wasn't attached, but many of the other defects we found during the operation were things that could have been easily remedied by the owners, such as bald tyres, visibility and lighting issues.
"Any unsafe vehicles located by Police during the holidays will be removed from the road."
“Together we will do our best to make sure every journey is a safe journey and no family has to endure the tragedy of losing a loved one on our roads this Christmas”, says Inspector Stewart.
ENDS