Increased traffic predicted on South Island Roads

The three South Island Police Districts are urging road users to be vigilant as the number of road users are predicted to increase over Waitangi weekend and the start of the Chinese New Year.

Canterbury Police District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Ash Tabb, says there will be high visibility patrols on South Island roads targeting driver behaviour that puts others at risk. “This includes exceeding the posted speed limit, crossing the centre line, seat belt use, drunk driving and distractions such as using a mobile phone.”

“Police urge slower drivers to pull over when it is safe to do so and let others pass otherwise this can cause traffic to build, creating frustration for other drivers and prompting them to take unnecessary risks.”

Anyone who is stopped by Police should expect to be breath tested no matter what the time of day or night.

Last month Canterbury Police caught 30 drivers crossing the centre line during a four hour operation in the Hundalee area, which is more than one every ten minutes. The vast majority of those drivers were New Zealand residents and some felt it was okay to straddle the line on bends. By not keeping to the left these drivers risked everything and put other road users at risk of a head on crash.

Otago Lakes-Central Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Larking, is also urging motorists to plan their journey in advance.

“Drivers should make sure they factor in stops to refresh and hydrate, especially when they are taking longer journeys.”

“Drivers who are fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel puts all road users at risk. Motorists should look to share the drive with other licence holders or it they start to feel tired while driving, find a safe place to pull off the road and take a break.”

The advice from Police around alcohol is simple - if you’re drinking don’t drive.

Take responsibility for your own decision to get behind the wheel and speak up to stop someone driving drunk.

Police urge road users to report unsafe driving behaviour as they travel around the South Island by calling *555 free from your mobile phone.
South Island roads are as safe as those using them and Police will continue to target unsafe driving behaviour in order to keep our roads safe for all road users.

Simple things you can do to reach your destination safely:

• Get plenty of rest before traveling will help you remain alert and focused
• Plan your journey and make stops part of the adventure
• Factor in extra time for delays due to the volume of traffic
• Keep to the left lane especially on twisty sections of road
• Share the driving on long journeys
• Drive to the conditions and do not exceed the posted speed limit
• Be mindful of your following distances
• Don't drink and drive

ENDS

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