Easter road safety [video]

Police are urging motorists to take extra care over the holiday weekend, especially as wet and windy weather has been predicted over much of the country.

Police will be out in force and will be lowering the speed tolerance to 4km/h over the Easter period. Police may take action against any driver detected driving at more than 4km/h over the posted speed limit.

"We want every journey to be a safer journey for everyone everywhere," said (Acting)Superintendent Rob Morgan, National Manager - Road Policing.

"In wet weather it is very important for drivers to be aware of their following distances and make sure that they have plenty of time to stop should something untoward happen. We just want to make sure that no one does anything stupid to put themselves and others at risk. Holiday driving requires extra care and patience, and most drivers understand this."

Police will also be keeping a keen eye on the 'big killers’ speed, failure to wear safety belts and drunk driving and high risk drivers.

This will also include focussing on ensuring that all traffic keeps left at all times as with heavy traffic volumes, crossing the centreline will be much more likely to result in a head on, high-speed fatal collision involving multiple vehicles.

As part of the Police campaign on the roads this Easter, emphasis will be on:

• Reducing speed across all speed limits;
• Smooth traffic flows so driver frustration and delays are kept to a
minimum;
• Encouraging slower drivers to pull over safely to enable traffic to pass;
• Deterring those who put lives at risk by driving too fast for the
conditions, drinking and driving and other irresponsible behaviour;
• Ensuring that drivers wear their seat belts, including in the back seats.
ENDS

For further information:
Contact - Lesley Wallis - Communications Manager Road Policing - 04 4707111
lesley.wallis@police.govt.nz

After Hours Media Pager - 026101082