Patience saves lives

Police are reminding drivers to be patient and take their time as they travel around the country these holidays.

"Over the next couple of days we expect traffic to be very heavy and in many places there will be delays. We are advising drivers to be patient, and to make sure that they take steps to fight fatigue. Try to avoid being already over-tired before you start your journey and don't drive long distances without breaks," said Superintendent Paula Rose today.

The official holiday period will begin at 1600 hrs on Friday 24 December 2010 and end at 0600 hrs 5 January 2010. Police will be out in force over this period and will be targeting drivers detected driving more than 5km/hour over the posted speed limit as well as drivers who hold up traffic and do not pull over.

"Police will be out in force but we cannot be everywhere and we cannot plan for every eventuality", said Superintendent Rose, "we are doing all we can and we are working with NZTA to take steps to make the roads as safe as we can. This means that some passing lanes will be closed to improve traffic flows."

In heavy traffic the re-merging at the end of passing lanes slows people down even more and can prompt some people to make dangerous and rash decisions. During peak travel periods such as the Christmas break, closing passing lanes helps traffic flow more smoothly and reduces bottlenecks.

"We want Christmas to be the time of celebration that it should be for everyone and if we all drive with care we can make it happen," she said.

ENDS

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