With Labour weekend fast approaching, Northland Police are reminding road users there will be zero tolerance for unsafe driving.

Police will be out on the road at any location and at any time, with the clear intention to stop and prevent unsafe driving behaviour.

Northland Road Policing Manager, Inspector John Fagan, says in the past few weeks there have been increasing numbers of serious driving incidents.

“In Northland alone we apprehended 38 people driving while intoxicated last week,” he says.

“This is extremely disappointing and not the kind of behaviour we expect.”

On Saturday night an off-duty officer called 111 after witnessing a vehicle crossing the centreline and narrowly avoiding a head on collision.

“Officers responded immediately and when they located this vehicle, it was seen almost crashing into another car,” Inspector Fagan says.

“The driver was so intoxicated they could barely speak and when officers tried to walk them to their patrol car, they fell over the curb.”

Excess breath alcohol was not the only bad behaviour seen in recent weeks, with disqualified drivers, speeding drivers and those on drugs also answering for their actions.

“Last Thursday Police stopped a vehicle traveling at 143km/h,” says Inspector Fagan.

“This driver was suspended on the spot; however she was stopped driving again only 90 minutes later.”

The driver had their car impounded and was summonsed to court.

“We have zero tolerance for the type of behaviour that puts lives at risk,” Inspector Fagan says.

“Slow down, do not drink and drive, and follow the rules. It’s that simple really.”

Police and road safety partners are undertaking a large amount of work to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads.

Many of us make long journeys over long weekends.

We know that tired drivers make mistakes, so take regular breaks and split the driving with someone if you can.

Having your seatbelt on, driving to the conditions and not being distracted while driving can be the difference in walking away from a crash or being seriously injured or worse.

Information on holiday road toll periods can be found here: Safety — Road deaths | Ministry of Transport

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