This Easter NZ Police are asking all New Zealanders to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe whatever they may be doing for the extended holiday weekend.
"We want everyone in our communities to have a happy and safe Easter, whether travelling on the roads, out socialising, or heading into the great outdoors," says Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing and Prevention, Dave Trappitt.
"With many people planning to travel on our roads over the long weekend, we ask that you stay safe by buckling up, driving sober and checking your speed – and make sure your homes and businesses are secure so you don't become a victim of crime.
"If you're out socialising, please take it easy on the alcohol, and look after yourself and your mates. This includes making a plan to get home safely, and not driving after drinking. We also know that a large number of assaults and family violence incidents have alcohol at the centre, while around a third of all fatal and serious road crashes have alcohol as the main contributor.
"Similarly, following a recent spate of diving related deaths, please take care out in the water and ensure you are well prepared with the right equipment and that someone knows your plans. The same applies if you’re heading into the outdoors, so that you get home again safely.”
Road safety a priority for emergency services
“This Easter, Police and other emergency services are encouraging motorists and passengers to ‘give us a break’ by travelling safely on the roads. The last thing any of the services want is having to attend a serious or fatal crash that could have been prevented,” Mr Trappitt says.
St John Director of Clinical Operations, Norma Lane, says: “St John ambulance officers see first-hand the devastating effects of road crashes.
“We hope that making motorists more aware of the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing seatbelts, or a moment of distraction, will help to reduce the risk of road crashes this Easter. Please take road safety messages seriously and remember the principles of first aid, including looking after your own safety if you are first at the scene of a crash,” Ms Lane says.
The only fatality free Easter ever recorded was in 2012. During Easter weekend 2015, there was one fatal crash and 101 reported injury crashes. The official Easter Holiday period begins at 4.00pm Thursday 24 March, and ends at 6.00am Tuesday 29 March.
Police’s efforts this Easter will be focused on:
- Impaired driving – drivers stopped by Police can expect to be breath tested.
- Safer speeds – Police will be enforcing the same threshold as other long holiday weekends.
- Restraints – Ensuring that everyone wears their seat belt, and that children are in the appropriate restraints.
- Distractions – Police will be paying attention to those who put others at risk by using their phone at the wheel.
More Easter holiday road toll information is available here.
Diving and outdoor safety
“If diving, it’s important to know your limitations and dive within your ability, make sure your equipment is checked and is working properly, always dive with a buddy, and ensure others know about your plans.”
More information about safe diving is available here.
Similarly, if you’re heading into the outdoors, please make sure to plan ahead and be well prepared. Check the weather also and if in any doubt, don’t go out,” Mr Trappitt says. More information about staying safe in the outdoors is available here.
Keeping your home and business secure
“There are also precautions that home and business owners can take to secure their properties to help prevent becoming the victim of a burglary or related crime, especially if heading away for the Easter break. This includes always locking up, putting tools and ladders away, and telling neighbours that you are going to be away. Many burglaries are opportunistic, so don’t make it easy for thieves to target you.”
More information about protecting your property and vehicles can be found here.
ENDS
Media contact: PNHQ Media, Rachel Purdom, ph 04 471 7136, 021 908 101: Office hours only.
After hours and over Easter weekend: please contact the NZ Police media pager, ph: 026 101 082.
St John’s Contact: St John media pager, phone 026 240 1298.