Waitemata Police work to ensure everyone gets home safe this summer

As Christmas and the festive season approaches, Police are reminding people to have a plan in place for safe festive celebrations.

Waitemata Police will be running an alcohol focused operation throughout December 2016, which aims to reduce harm caused by alcohol and drugs on the road, in public places and licensed premises.

The operation is part of a national focus on preventing harm on New Zealand roads over the coming summer months.

Additional Police officers will be working across the district throughout December to focus on reducing the impact the impaired drivers have on road trauma.

Inspector Trevor Beggs, Road Policing Manager for Waitemata District, says, “We will continue to take an ‘anytime anywhere’ policy on breath testing in Waitemata and drivers stopped in the district can expect to be breath-tested no matter what time of day or night it is. Police will continue to enforce the alcohol limits of 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath and a zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old.”

The Waitemata District Alcohol Harm Reduction team will be working alongside Auckland Transport to deliver crime prevention advice to licensed premises in regards to host responsibilities ensuring patrons don’t become intoxicated and don’t drive under the influence of alcohol.

It is widely known that when people are under the influence they can make poor decisions and end up becoming involved in crime.

From 2013 to 2015, Impaired driving was a contributing factor in 33 percent of urban fatal crashes and 27 percent of open road fatal crashes.

“Whether you live rurally or in the city we are urging everyone to plan how they are going to get home in advance. Don’t think you can ‘get away’ with another alcoholic drink as you are not only putting yourself at risk but other road users and members of your community. Park your car in a safe area if you’re leaving it overnight and make sure doors are locked and valuables are out of sight and secure,” says Inspector Beggs.

Some simple tips from Waitemata Police for safe festive celebrations:

• Plan your night out ahead of time.

Have a plan for how you're going to get home, before you go out.
• Arrange safe transport to and from your location, whether it's a sober driver, taxi, bus or dial-a-driver.
• Go out as a group and stay together.

Look out for your mates and make sure they stay safe.
• Don’t drink to excess – drink water and eat food at regular intervals.
• Don't drink and drive. Checkpoints will be operating anywhere, any time.

Auckland Transport are also delivering sober driver presentations which cover:

· Trying out booze googles to understand the effects of being over the drink drive limit

· Discussing the new limits and implications of a breach

· Providing educational material

· Information to hosting work parties i.e.

Friday night drinks

These are scheduled for:

- 14/12/16 11am – 2pm: Te Pumanawa Town Square, North West Mall, Westgate

- 15/12/16 11am – 2pm: Memorial Square, New Lynn

ENDS

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