"The majority
of New Zealand drivers have taken messages around driving to
the conditions and the hazards of speed, drink driving and
safety belts to heart," says NZ Police National Road
Policing Manager, Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald.
"Speeds are down and the traffic across the whole
network is noticeably calmer," he said. Speed camera
tickets are down and in turn the road toll is the second
lowest ever.
The provisional 2004 road toll stands at
435 deaths compared with 461 in 2003. 26 fewer deaths on the
roads than last year in the face of increased traffic growth
associated with economic growth.
Police appreciate
that the vast majority of drivers now stick to the speed
limit, and drive to the conditions. The vast majority do
wear their safety belts, always drive sober and are
courteous, considerate and safe.
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