The community and police need to work together to reduce the high number of fatalities that have occurred on southern roads, says Southern District Police roading manager, Inspector Andrew Burns.
To date this month, eight people have been killed on Southland and Otago roads, a figure that is far too high, he said.
The figure includes a fatal crash in the Ida Valley this morning, in which two people died and three others were seriously injured.
"So far this year 27 people have been killed in 24 road vehicle crashes in our region - the number for the whole of 2007 was 35," he said.
"This level of road fatalities has an impact on everyone - including families, communities and emergency services. We all have a part to play in keeping the road toll down."
"Although the police's role is to enforce the law to reduce the factors that lead to crashes, it is the driver who shoulders much of the responsibility for lowering the level of death and carnage on our roads. Drivers need to drive responsibly and concentrate on driving the entire time and not become distracted."
While the level of enforcement around issues such as speed, alcohol, and adherence to the road rules was already high, southern police would be stepping up enforcement in an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries, Inspector Burns said.
"We will be targeting those offences that result in people being injured or killed."
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Inspector Andrew Burns ph: 027-2490-332