Police are warning they will be out in force over Labour Weekend throughout the Eastern District targeting speeding, seatbelts and drink-driving.
Labour Weekend is traditionally a busy time on local roads with an influx of visitors and several events planned over the four-day long weekend for Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day.
Eastern Road Policing Manager Inspector Matt Broderick said extra police staff would be out on Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti roads keeping an eye on driver behaviour.
“Long weekends inevitably see an increase in traffic on our roads and our aim is to make sure the roads are kept safe and drivers are doing their bit. The three main areas we will be concentrating on are speed, making sure everyone wears their seatbelt and drink-driving.
“We just want everyone to have an enjoyable weekend and to get to their destinations safely,” Mr Broderick said.
Drivers are urged to remember the “top five” road safety tips to keep themselves and their families and friends safe:
· Allow enough time to reach your destination by driving under the speed limit
· Be a legend – stop a mate driving drunk
· Remind everyone to buckle up before you set off
· Takes breaks along the way
· Make times to stop and use your cell phone – turn it off when you drive.
“These are all road safety basics. We urge motorists to turn their brains on when they set off, and keep them on until they get to their destination. We all make mistakes, but not thinking clearly when driving, including driving while tired or distracted can have terrible consequences,” Mr Broderick said.
One person was killed on the roads last Labour Weekend (2013). This was the lowest number of road deaths recorded over a Labour Weekend since records began. However, 83 reported injury crashes left 20 others with serious injuries (Ministry of Transport figures).
Nationally, the crash risk for fatal/serious crashes is 14 per cent higher over Labour Weekend. Particular risk times are Friday midday-6pm and Sunday 6pm-Monday 4am.
As is normal throughout all long holiday weekends, speed thresholds will again be lowered and anyone who drives more than 4km/h over the permanent posted speed limit can expect to be ticketed.
Mr Broderick said there would also be highly visible compulsory breath test and licence checkpoints which target the times and places where people are most likely to drink and drive.
"We also encourage drivers to be patient and considerate towards each other especially given the expected higher volumes of traffic on the roads. If you're towing, or driving a slower vehicle, regularly check your mirrors to ensure other traffic isn't backing up behind you and causing frustration for others, and then pull over where appropriate. Police can and do ticket those impeding other traffic where appropriate."
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