More than 60 drivers have been issued with infringement notices following an Eastern Bay of Plenty Police campaign focusing on driver behaviour.
Between 4-17 July 53 occupants of vehicles failed to wear a restraint and 10 drivers were caught driving while using a cell phone.
Sergeant Ray Wylie of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Policing group says this is a hugely disappointing result.
“We know drivers who are distracted are more likely to be involved in crashes and that those who crash and are not restrained are more likely to be injured or die on our roads.
“Drivers need to be aware of the very real risk that distractions present, especially talking, texting, and checking emails on mobile phones while driving. Put the phone away,” says Sergeant Wylie.
Police also issued 158 infringement notices to drivers in breach of their graduated licence conditions during this period.
Crashes in the Eastern Bay of Plenty have increased this year compared to last year.
“Too many drivers are losing control on straight roads and bends. Driving safely is the responsibility of every road user, they need to consider the risks and conditions before making decisions,” says Sergeant Wylie.
Police will have a presence in and around schools next week as students return back from the holidays.
Motorists are asked to consider the risks around schools - this includes speed, driving to the conditions and the correct use of restraints.
“Parents, whanau and caregivers should refrain from parking in and around school gates as it can create chaos when students and vehicles are negotiating the same areas.”
From Monday 25 July to Sunday 7 August another campaign like this will be run in the Eastern Bay of Plenty targeting restraints, cell phones and general road safety behaviour.
Since January 2014 only one person who was unrestrained in a vehicle has been killed on Eastern Bay of Plenty roads.
“This is a significant improvement but we cannot rest on our laurels. Nationally (January – March 2016) 41 percent of vehicle occupants killed in road crashes were unrestrained at the time of the crash. This is 28 people whose deaths could have been prevented,” says Sergeant Wylie.
“Wearing a seat belt reduces your chance of death or serious injury in a crash by about 50%. Seat belts save lives – it’s that simple.”
“Driving requires your complete attention. You need to keep control of your vehicle at the same time as maintaining an awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre