Slow down and stay safe this Christmas

Slow down and stay safe this Christmas

23 December 2014 - Enforcing safe speeds and breath testing every driver stopped will be a focus for Police this summer as thousands of New Zealanders take to the roads.

With the official holiday period beginning at 4pm tomorrow, National Manager Road Policing, Superintendent Carey Griffiths, said Police and road safety agencies would be stepping up their efforts in the push to see more people reach their homes and holiday destinations safely and fewer people killed and injured.

"We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas and an enjoyable and relaxing holiday break. To do this we need the help of everyone - drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists alike.

"The focus for Police this summer during our 'Reach the Beach' campaign will be on strictly enforcing reduced speed and alcohol limits, as well as targeting those not wearing safety belts or using their phone, or who are otherwise using our roads in a way that puts all of us at risk. It means that if you are stopped for any reason, you should expect to be breath tested."

Mr Griffiths said Police was encouraged that many drivers seemed to have taken on board the message about new lowered alcohol limits, and adjusted their behaviour accordingly.

On 1 December, the alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 years and over lowered to 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, and the blood alcohol limit to 50mg (0.05) of alcohol per 100ml of blood, down from 400mcg and 80mg (0.08) respectively.

"While most people seem to have adjusted well to the new limits, rest assured that Police will be continuing to rigorously enforce alcohol limits at all levels. If any of your mates have been drinking and plan to drive, speak up. Help them find alternative transport or ask them to sleep on the sofa.”

As in previous years, Police will also be enforcing a reduced speed threshold of 4km/h for speed cameras, and officers will continue to use appropriate discretion when stopping any driver for speeding.

"The Police approach to speed enforcement has not changed. Officers have always had the ability to issue infringements for any speed above the limit, depending on the circumstances, and will continue to use their discretion to appropriately and fairly deal with any driver stopped.

"However, what has changed is how we talk about speed. Let’s move away from talking about a 'tolerance' for speeding and other unsafe driving behaviour. All the research tells us that if we all travel at, or just below the posted speed limit, the flow on effect in reducing deaths and injuries on our roads is significant."

Mr Griffiths said thanks to a strong focus on reducing speeds and the support of the public, last year's 'Safer Summer' campaign saw significant reductions in the proportion of people speeding, resulting in 15 fewer deaths than for the same period on 2012/2013, and a combined 24% decrease in serious and minor injuries.

"That may not sound like a lot, but when you look at the devastating cost of road crashes on our families, friends and communities, it is huge. It also shows that when we all play our part, we can make a very real difference.

"Any family that we can spare the grief of losing a loved one this Christmas by driving more slowly, sensibly and soberly is something that is in all of our power to do."

The road toll currently stands at 281 – up 35 from the same time last year, which ended with a record 60 year low of 253 deaths.

"Of particular concern during 2014 has been the number of pedestrians killed – 42 so far this year alone. Sadly, a number of these people have been intoxicated and struck by drivers who didn’t see them, so please, if you are out drinking, look out for yourself and your mates. Drivers also need to be mindful that pedestrians, especially children, are among our most vulnerable road users, and need to take extra care in and around pedestrian areas."

Mr Griffiths urged drivers to plan their trip if heading away and make sure they took sufficient rest breaks. Removing the temptation of distractions like cell phones by switching them off and shutting them away was also recommended.

"Analysis shows that the summer months are typically the most risky on our roads, where the chance of having a fatal or serious crash increases, so extra care is needed. Often people are travelling long distances on unfamiliar roads, with heavy holiday traffic in some places, and a number of distractions in the vehicle such as phones, children and other things that can take our focus away from driving."

Mr Griffiths said popular holiday destinations such as Northland, the Bay of Plenty, and Eastern and Tasman districts were typically areas of higher crash risk.

"This means if you are heading away, please plan your trip carefully. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, get a good night's sleep beforehand, and take plenty of rest breaks along the way. Watching your speed, avoiding alcohol and of course wearing your safety belt will also help ensure you make it to and from your destination safely."

"Slower drivers are also asked to be considerate and pull over where safe to allow traffic to pass you. Police can and do ticket those who impede the flow of traffic, which causes frustration for others and can prompt others to take unnecessary risks."

ENDS

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