Police in Bay of Plenty want everyone to reach their destination safely this Christmas. Wearing seatbelts, carrying out some basic vehicle safety checks and having a travel plan can all help towards a safe summer trip.
There have already been 45 road deaths in Bay of Plenty this year; six more than the whole of 2014, with roads expected to get busier over the coming days and weeks. In many of those cases drivers or passengers were not wearing seatbelts and may well have been alive today if they were.
Road Policing Manager Inspector Kevin Taylor: "For the families of the 45 people who have tragically died on our roads and the many more seriously hurt, Christmas will be a particularly difficult time and may never be the same again. A variety of factors can cause a crash, but the one simple step of wearing a seatbelt can make the difference between survival and either death or serious injury.
"Our officers regularly stop vehicles with drivers and passengers unrestrained; often this includes young children, some of our most vulnerable not being properly protected. Our children’s safety should be paramount; not only so that they get the chance to grow up, but so that they grow up knowing right from wrong."
The rules
- All modern vehicles are fitted with seatbelts and where seatbelts are fitted it is compulsory to wear them. There are very limited exemptions to this law, however even with a legal exemption remember the laws of physics still apply to everyone.
- The driver of a vehicle has a responsibility to ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts and the driver is liable for a $150 fine for any under 15 year old passengers not restrained.
- The passenger in a vehicle is also personally liable for a fine of $150 if they are aged 15 years or over.
- Children under the age of 7 have to be in an approved child restraint that is appropriate for their age and size, or the driver faces a $150 fine.
- A vehicle seatbelt is not an approved child restraint. Approved child restraints include baby capsules for young babies, car seats for toddlers and pre-school children, booster seats for pre-school and school-aged children and child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for pre-school and school-aged children
- Children aged 7 to 8 have to be in an approved child restraint if available. If not available they have to be in an alternative child restraint or safety belt.
- Children aged between 8 and 14 must use safety belts if available. If no safety belt is available the child must be in the back seat.
- International best practice recommends the use of an appropriate child restraint or booster until a child reaches 148cm tall or is 11-years-old.
- Never put an adult and a child together in the same seatbelt.
Inspector Taylor added: "Don’t assume that you are keeping your child safe if you put them in an adult seatbelt. If your child is too small and the seatbelt cuts across their face or throat, common sense tells you this could cause serious injuries in a crash. The belt should cross the shoulder and breast bone when they are sitting upright in the seat."
Taking a trip?
- Have your car serviced or at least do some basic maintenance checks - oil, water, wiper blades and tyres. Most tyre companies will provide pressure checks, air top-up and puncture repairs for free.
- Map out your route.
- Check the weather and anticipated road conditions.
- Have a full tank of fuel and on a long trip work out in advance where you intend to re-fuel. Remember not all service stations are open 24hrs.
- Don't just re-fuel your vehicle. Take regular rest breaks. New Zealand has a great cafe coffee culture so make the most of it. Keep bottled water in the vehicle to ensure you stay hydrated.
- Make sure there is plenty to keep children occupied. Bored and restless children are a distraction and can stress a driver.
- Keep an emergency pack to hand with water, snacks, warm clothing and a first aid kit in case or a breakdown. If you have a mobile phone make sure it is fully charged for an emergency but remember it is against the law to use it while driving.
Useful links
- www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/choosing-the-right-vehicle/features-that-protect-you/safety-belts/
- www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/07
- www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/
- www.plunket.org.nz/what-we-do/what-we-offer/car-seats-service/
This advice forms part of the 12 Crime of Christmas campaign by Bay of Plenty District Police who wish you a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.