Police in Wellington District take unique approach to preventing road trauma amongst young drivers

Police across the Wellington District are taking a unique approach to preventing road trauma amongst young drivers by rolling out a lunchtime education and enforcement campaign near high schools.

Wellington District Road Policing Manager Inspector Pete Baird says young drivers are 'high risk road users' and Police need to do all we can to educate them about the dangers they pose to themselves and others if they do not adhere to the law.

"Road Policing and Youth Education Services (YES) staff have been carrying out lunchtime deployments in and around high schools in Wairarapa, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wellington city, Kapiti Mana and Otaki over the past few weeks checking driver licenses and conducting routine passive breath testing."

Police are also using the campaign to educate young drivers about recent changes in legislation regarding the zero breath alcohol limit for under 20 year olds, which came into effect on 7 August 2011.

"The first week-long lunchtime deployment was run throughout the District last month, before the end of Term 2. It's really pleasing to note that on the whole, most young drivers were adhering to the conditions of their licenses."

Inspector Baird says high schools have been very supportive of the initiative and are keen for Police to continue it in the coming weeks and months, to ensure young drivers are safe whilst behind the wheel.

ENDS

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