Police have urged holidaymakers driving home from the long weekend to stay safe on the roads.
Acting director of road policing Inspector Peter McKennie said: “It’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure our roads are safe and that families get back to where they belong without being seriously injured or killed.”
Police would not hesitate to take enforcement action to stop dangerous driving behaviour, McKennie said.
“We will be focusing on targeting the behaviours that we know contribute to serious injury or death on our roads.”
McKennie said that included:
Enforcing seatbelt and child restraint useMaking sure people were not driving when influenced by alcohol, drugs or fatigueSticking to a safe speed within the limit for the weather and conditionsEnsuring people put their phones and other distractions away.
“It sounds so simple and it should be – and yet we’re still finding people who aren’t managing these basics for a safe journey.”
Anyone travelling during the long weekend should check the NZTA Journey Planner for up-to-date information on travel times, roadworks, closures and delays, McKennie said.
Early on Saturday morning, two people died after two cars collided near Rotorua.
“These incidents are always confronting and we want to acknowledge the members of the public who did what they could to help while emergency services responded,” Inspector Logan Marsh said.
“Crashes like this are devastating for the families involved and the community, and police will continue to support those affected by the tragic incident.”