Summer Road Policing Northland

With the summer party season in full swing, Northland Police will be breath testing every motorist they stop in a bid to stop drink driving.

Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Murray Hodson says crashes involving drink driving remain a serious issue and play a major part in the road toll.

Mr Hodson says Police will be conducting high profile intensive alcohol checkpoints over the summer period in an attempt to deter all drink drivers.
The official holiday period runs from 4pm on Monday December 24 to 6am on Thursday January 3.

This holiday season Police will be lowering the speed tolerance level to 4km/h over the posted speed limit through until 7am on Monday January 7.

Mr Hodson says family and friends play an important role in stopping drunk drivers getting behind the wheel.

"Northland is one of the most rural districts in the country and in some areas rural residents continue to drive after drinking alcohol.
It’s not good enough. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Stay the night with family or friends or arrange a sober driver."

Mr Hodson says police will be patrolling rural roads, as well as main arterial routes, and will also be relying on the community to report any instances of drink driving.

He points out that at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (adult legal limit), an adult driver is about 16 times likely to die in a crash as the same driver with a zero blood alcohol level. The risk for teenage drivers is greater than for those aged over 20 years.

Mr Hodson says while the official holiday period ends on January 3, Northland Police will be carrying out high visibility patrols for most of the summer.
Operation Summer, which started this week (Monday December 17) and goes through to February 10, will include breath testing checkpoints, foot patrols, and hotel checks.

Along with that operation is Operation Crossroads 2012, a joint Australia and New Zealand road safety campaign that will take place during the official holiday period.
It aims to increase driver awareness of safe driving to reduce road crashes.

"This means we will have a real focus on keeping Northland's roads safe for our local people and visitors," says Mr Hodson.

"We want everyone to enjoy their holiday, and to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with loved ones, not spend it mourning the death of family or friends on the road."

Tips for a safe journey:
Plan your trip - take plenty of breaks and share the driving
Be patient
Drive to the conditions - the speed limit is not a target
Ensure everyone is wearing a seatbelt or child restraint
Do not drive after drinking alcohol
Respect other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians

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