As children return to school after the holidays, Eastern Police are focusing on reminding people how they can help prevent further serious injuries and deaths on our roads.
The start of a new school term can result in more traffic on the roads as parents take their children to school and start back to work themselves. Drivers are reminded to ensure that everyone in their vehicle is wearing a suitable seatbelt or restraint, and that children enter and exit vehicles safely and preferably away from moving traffic.
Motorists are also being asked to limit their distractions by putting their mobile phones away and paying extra attention on the roads near schools, particularly at peak times.
“Children’s behaviour can be unpredictable, particularly around roads, and it’s important for motorists to stay alert and pay attention to the speed limits around schools,” said Eastern District Road Policing manager, Inspector Matt Broderick.
“No-one wants to be responsible for a child being seriously hurt or killed on the roads.”
The district’s focus on road safety ties in with the nationwide Operation Habit, aimed at getting people into the habit of buckling up and putting their mobile phones away when they get behind the wheel.
Starting today and running across New Zealand until 7 August, motorists are being reminded of the very real risks posed by driver distractions and not wearing a seatbelt.
Already this year, 41% of vehicle occupants killed in crashes from January to March were not wearing a seatbelt or restraint. That’s 28 people whose deaths may otherwise have been prevented.
“We want every journey to be a safer journey for everyone,” said National Manager of Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally. “Put your passengers and other road users first by putting your phone away and making sure everyone’s buckled up with a suitable restraint.”
ENDS
*** NOTE FOR MEDIA ***
• Ridealongs are available. Please contact Insp Matt Broderick on 06 831 0847 to arrange.
• Supt Steve Greally is available for interviews on Operation Habit. Please contact Jo Haywood on 04 238 5111 to arrange.