For many construction and trade employees today is the last day of work and marks the start of the long summer break. Alcohol is a significant contributor in a third of all crime reported in New Zealand and excessive speed is a factor in around a third of serious road crashes.
Senior Sergeant Scott Richardson urges drivers to think before they get behind the wheel as the combination of excess speed and alcohol can be lethal.
“We want everyone to have a fun celebrating the end of work and start of the summer break. There will be a visible Police presence around Canterbury and in central Christchurch with checkpoints at key locations. Anyone stopped by Police should expect to be breath tested.”
In the last five years alone alcohol has been a factor in 30% of fatal and 15% of injury crashes on Canterbury roads. This is the second year that the lower alcohol limits have been in place and Police hope that message to not drive if you are consuming alcohol has got through. Your risk of being involved in a fatal crash is four times higher when you exceed the 250mg of alcohol per litre of breath limit and 16 times higher when you exceed the 400mg limit.
“Drivers and motorbike riders need to take responsibility for their decisions to turn the key and use our roads. For Police, one of the hardest parts of the job is visiting families to tell them that their loved one is not coming home but this pales into comparison with receiving the news that your loved one has died."
"The road toll in Canterbury is currently sitting at 44 which is 11 more than the same time last year. We need your help Canterbury – together we can keep the road toll to zero over the summer period” urges Senior Sergeant Richardson.
It’s a good idea to plan how you are going to get home before you head out. If you’re leaving your car, park in a secure well lit area and make sure that you remove any valuables and lock the doors and windows.
Be a good mate and stop someone getting intoxicated in the first place. If you don’t feel comfortable telling them to lay off the alcohol speak to one of their friends or the party organiser, licence holder or security guard.
“We will also have high visibility patrols going into licensed premises giving out advice to patrons on how they can stay safe while having a fun time socialising. Make sure you keep your wallets safe and don’t loan your credit or pay wave cards to anyone. Never give out your PIN number or let someone see you putting it into the EFTPOS terminal or ATM machines” explained Senior Sergeant Richardson.
Help us to help you have a fun this festive season but be a good mate and stop at merry.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District.