Canterbury Police are urging everyone travelling around the South Island to plan their journeys and don’t take unnecessary risks with their lives or possessions this long weekend.
Inspector Glenn Nalder, Canterbury Police Road Policing Manager, says in order for Canterbury to avoid fatal and serious crashes on the road everyone needs to take responsibility for their own decision to get behind the wheel or on their motorbikes. “We are seeing too many avoidable crashes on our roads which result in life changing injuries or in some cases fatalities. Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe whether they are at home, at work or travelling on our roads. Police enforcement can only go so far and we urge the public to be a good mate and stop someone driving when they shouldn’t.”
Before you or your family take to the road ask yourself if that alcoholic drink, keeping your phone turned on or driving tired is worth risking the chance of not reaching your destination safely. If travelling long distances take regular breaks and if you can share the driving with other licence holders in your car.
“We were really disappointed at the number of road users who are still using their mobile phones to make/take calls and text while driving. Some of those stopped had functioning hands free devices in their vehicles but chose not to use them. If you are looking at your phone you are not looking at the road and this distraction means you are not able to react as quickly when the traffic flow changes or another road user makes a mistake” explained Inspector Nalder.
If you are heading out this long weekend remember to secure your valuables out of sight and lock your doors and windows.
Canterbury Police District Victim Manager, Senior Sergeant Stephan McDaniel, urges people to think twice before posting your travel plans on social media and take simple steps to prevent opportunistic thieves from targeting your home or car. “Set your house alarm and if you’re heading away this long weekend let trusted neighbours know so they can keep an eye on your property. Park your vehicles off the road if you can and lock them when you’re not inside even if you’re only popping in to see a neighbour or grab supplies from your local Dairy.”
Every crime, serious or fatal crash results in one too many victims and the impacts reach beyond the victim themselves to their family, friends, colleagues and communities.
Canterbury Police urge the public to help ensure that the only ‘high scores’ are made by the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup and Canterbury in the ITM Cup this week and not opportunistic thieves.
“There is lots to see and do while you travel around Canterbury so make sure you plan regular stops and use the opportunity explore somewhere you haven’t been before. Choose a safe place to pull off the road if you need to check your mobile phone or if you or your passengers want to take photographs. This Labour Weekend Canterbury Police will continue to focus road policing efforts around high risk driving behaviours such as using mobile phones while driving, speeding, drink driving and not wearing safety belts” says Inspector Nalder.
The attached image shows a map produced by NZTA of congestion hot spots around the South Island. For up to date information on road closures and delays check the NZTA website or phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS before you set off on your trip.
Be a good mate. Stop someone driving when they shouldn’t and report any suspicious activity around parked vehicles or properties in your neighbourhood to Police. In an emergency always dial 111.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police
