Since the holiday period started on Wednesday at 4pm 24th Dec, fourteen people have lost their lives, double the number of people last year.
Three days into the New Year, four lives have been lost in car crashes.
This is more than disappointing. It’s devastating that so many people have lost their lives these holidays and due to the same common factors says Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff.
“Initial indications across eight of these tragic deaths are that alcohol and speed have been major factors.”
“It is a bad decision to drive after drinking. It’s that simple.”
“No-one can afford to not intervene and stop their family member or friend from getting behind the wheel after drinking.”
“You may think it’s ok, we’ll be right and it won’t happen to them. But crashes are happening, people are getting seriously injured and people are dying.”
Police staff and emergency services across the country have attended numerous crashes this holiday period and unless driving behaviour changes, they will be attending hundreds more this year.
Police will continue to focus our efforts in reducing the death and trauma that occurs from crashes around New Zealand says Mr Cliff.
“But we all have a role to play, so to all New Zealanders, all family members, all friends, please slow down on our roads, pay attention while driving, wear seatbelts and be well rested and sober before getting behind the wheel to drive.”
END
Of the 14 deaths on the road:
· Resulting from 12 fatal crashes
· Alcohol and/or speed has been provisionally cited for 8 of the holiday fatal crashes (5 - alcohol & speed, 2 - speed only, 1 - alcohol only)
· Driver fatigue/ inattention provisionally cited for 4 of the holiday fatal crashes.
Note: There may be some adjustment when full and final crash reports are received.
Issued by Mere Wilson Tuala-Fata, Senior Media Advisor, PNHQ.