New Zealand and Australian Police join forces to crack down on drunk drivers

In the lead-up to Christmas, New Zealand and Australian Police will join forces in an operation codenamed Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers).

Operation RAID is a joint initiative of Police Chiefs and Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand to draw attention to the broader implications associated with drink/drug driving.

The operation is timed to coincide with the beginning of the holiday season and is intended to keep the pressure on drivers to make sure that their driving is safe at all times, not just most of the time.

Police will be increasing the checkpoints and breath testing of drivers in all Police Districts and areas.

"Alcohol has a big effect on the way people drive. In fact, if you drink and drive (with a blood alcohol level over 80mg per 100ml) you are sixteen times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a sober driver," said Superintendent Paula Rose, National Manager - Road Policing.

"We are sick of spending the holidays scraping bodies off the road and we are determined to make sure we do everything we can to stop people drinking and driving along with other unsafe driving behaviour.

"We intend to keep the pressure on over the entire holiday period. This weekend is just the beginning," she said.

Operation Raid begins on Friday 26th November and will continue over the weekend.

ENDS

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