The North Island weather this long weekend is looking relatively promising but that doesn't mean there won't still be risks on our roads.
Just yesterday a fatal crash in Tauranga showed how lives can be cut short in a second, and families can be left with the heartbreak of losing a loved one.
Many families will be heading away for the weekend and Bay of Plenty Police want everyone to have fun and return home safely.
There was just one fatality in New Zealand last Labour Weekend which was the lowest number since records began, but it was one too many and it was here in the Bay of Plenty. That is not something we want to see repeated.
“The Bay of Plenty is a beautiful place so whether you're staying here, visiting or just passing through, enjoy it, don't rush it,” says Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager, Inspector Kevin Taylor. “Our staff will have a high visibility presence on the roads over the weekend and will be proactively engaging with drivers encouraging concentration and sensible decision-making.”
There are a number of things everyone can do to help stay safe on our roads:
· Allow enough time to reach your destination by driving under the speed limit
· Be a legend – stop a mate driving drunk
· Remind everyone to buckle up before you set off
· Takes breaks along the way
· Make times to stop and use your cell phone – turn it off when you drive.
Remember that speed thresholds will be at the normal holiday threshold, so anyone who drives more than 4km/h over the permanent posted speed limit can expect to be ticketed.
The inaugural Tour of the Bay of Plenty also takes place this weekend. Approximately 300 cyclists will be riding from Rotorua to Matata on Saturday, twice around Lake Rotorua on Sunday and from Rotorua through the Waikiti Valley on Monday. It is important that cyclists and drivers alike take joint responsibility for safety and share the road.
Media enquiries should be referred to Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager Kevin Taylor on 021 192 0207.