New Zealand Police’s sympathies are extended to families and friends who have lost loved ones on the road over the long weekend. Already there are five confirmed deaths, which for Police, its road safety partners, and the families left behind is simply five too many.
We are all human, and mistakes happen on our roads. Police are encouraging drivers to take simple survival steps in order to Make it to Monday.
Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff says “We encourage New Zealanders to spend a couple of minutes watching this short road safety video featuring kids aged 4-7 in Wellington. Their messages are delivered in such a cute, disarming way, that as adults, we can’t help but be moved by what they say. Children are like sponges for what goes on around them in the car and adults will be surprised what they can learn from this video. The kids’ advice is simple: slow down, wear your safety belt, stay off your mobile phone while driving, and refrain from drinking and driving. As drivers we have a responsibility to protect these little people on our roads.”
The video has been viewed by 25,000 people on Facebook and YouTube since it’s launch on Thursday, with many users commenting that the kids are both profoundly cute and accurate.
Youtube link: http://youtu.be/aGki0EVevLc
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=782487731783655&set=vb.321854097847023&type=2&theater
As well as promoting safer road use, police are also promoting the use of safer vehicles.
For any family thinking about replacing their car, we encourage them to buy the safest car they can afford (the one with the highest star rating). The safest cars are 5 star ANCAP rated and if you're looking at a new car, please check the safety rating. If you're buying a used car, enter its registration number at www.rightcar.co.nz and check it has a high star rating before you buy it.
“You and your family deserve the safest car you can afford and it makes a huge difference to your survival in a crash.”
Police will be encouraging safe road use throughout Queens Birthday Weekend which officially ends at 6am Tuesday 3 June. Police will be highly visible on the roads with a focus on drink driving, speeding and ensuring that all passengers are buckled into their safety belts and that children are wearing child restraints.
Media contact:
Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff is available for interviews between 3-4pm today. Contact the police after hours pager on 026 101 082
