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Take care on BOP roads this Labour Weekend22 October, 2009 - 09:12 Forty-six people have died on Bay of Plenty roads in the year to date – two more than at the same time as last year. In 2008 a total of 55 people died as a result of motor vehicle accidents in the District. Those are the statistics that Bay of Plenty Police want people to keep in mind as they head out on the roads this Labour Weekend. "Unfortunately this District still has a sad record when it comes to fatal car crashes on our roads. In fact, we have one of the worst fatality records in New Zealand – it's not a record that the people of Bay of Plenty should be comfortable with," says District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Kevin Taylor. "People still drive too fast, and too fast for the conditions. Its time to slow down, focus on enjoying the drive and getting to your final destination in one piece." Inspector Taylor says road policing staff from around the District will be out in force this long weekend to ensure that people are able to get to their destination safely, and back home again. "The Bay of Plenty District is an attractive holiday destination for people around New Zealand – and for people travelling within our own district. It’s a stunning part of the world and we want people to enjoy it. "Our role is to keep our roads safe this weekend and we will be doing everything within our power to achieve that. "Police will be very visible on our roads this weekend and we make absolutely no apologies for that. If you are driving too fast, you will be held accountable. If you drink and drive, you will be caught. If you are not wearing your seatbelts, you will be targeted. It's as simple as that." Inspector Taylor says that at the risk of sounding repetitive, the same old messages still apply. "Buckle up, slow down, watch your following distances, don't drink and drive, and drive to the conditions. "At the moment the weather forecast looks good, but just like anywhere in New Zealand that can change at literally a moment's notice. Be prepared to change your driving depending on the conditions." Inspector Taylor is also asking for a bit of common courtesy on the roads this weekend. "If you're towing a boat or caravan, pull over to let people pass. "Please, let's help each other this weekend. Road safety is everyone's responsibility, our job is simply to enforce it." The Bay of Plenty Police District covers Tauranga, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Taupo, Whakatane, Turangi, half of the Napier-Taupo Road, part of the Desert Road and everywhere in between. -ends- Contact: Jacky James |
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