Police and the NZ Transport Agency are urging Kiwis to plan ahead for a safe Queen’s Birthday on the roads.
Superintendent Steve Greally, National Manager: Road Policing, says with our weather conditions being changeable as we head into winter, it’s even more important to drive to the conditions.
“At this time of year the weather is unpredictable and it’s generally worse than it is better. I can’t urge people enough to check their speeds and to watch their following distances. You need space and time to react, especially in bad weather.
“People are also at risk of becoming complacent when they’re driving long distances. So it’s important to always pay attention to the job at hand.
“If your mind is starting to wander and your attention is no longer on the road, pull over and take a break.
“We also need people to be doing the basics – buckle up as soon as you get in the car, put the phone away while you’re driving, keep an eye on your speed, and don’t drive at all if you are in any doubt about being safe or legal to drive after drinking.”
NZ Transport Agency Director Safety and Environment Harry Wilson says it’s important that people plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip over the long weekend.
“This is the last long weekend for a few months and the last one before winter really sets in, so many people take the opportunity to head away for a break, or to visit friends and family. We don’t want anyone’s holiday weekend to be marred by an avoidable tragedy, so please do the simple things that can keep us all safe – keep your speed down, buckle everyone up and stay focused on the road.
“Police will be out on the roads across the country working hard to keep everyone safe, but everyone needs to do their part.”
Top tips for a safe and enjoyable Queen’s Birthday on the road
Plan ahead. Get your vehicle checked before you head out, plan to avoid peak traffic where you can and give yourself enough time to take plenty of rest or sightseeing breaks along the way. It’s your holiday after all, so why not make the journey an enjoyable part of it?
Drive to the conditions. This isn’t just about weather conditions—it’s about the road you’re on, the traffic, your vehicle and load, your speed, your following distance, and adjusting your driving for wet and windy conditions.
Watch out for fatigue. Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly behind the wheel. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, plan in advance where you’ll take breaks along the way, and be aware of any medication you’re taking that might affect your driving.
Keep your cool. Holiday driving can be frustrating with busy roads, and restless kids in the car. So please, be courteous and patient while on the roads. Don’t get provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour, and wait to overtake until you get to a passing lane or can see enough clear road ahead of you to do it safely. And be sure to take enough games, books, DVDs or electronics to keep the kids occupied along the way.
Buckle up. Don’t let your family holiday be marred by tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. If you’re the driver, you are legally responsible for making sure all passengers under the age of 15 are securely restrained with either a safety belt or child restraint. Children must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday.
Don’t drink and drive. The alcohol limit for adult drivers is now lower, and your judgement and reaction times begin to deteriorate after even one drink. Keep it simple – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.
ENDS
Note on speed threshold
Over the holiday period – 1600 Friday 1 June to 0600 Tuesday 5 June 2018 – if you're detected by a safe speed camera exceeding the area’s posted speed limit by more than 4 km/h, you are highly likely to receive an infringement notice.
Our officers have discretion in how they deal with speed related offending. Their focus is on preventing harm on our roads.