'Tis the season to be careful - Police want everyone home this Xmas

Police are encouraging motorists to take extra care these holidays as we face an increased road toll for 2012 – and as seven people died in two separate tragic crashes yesterday.

"We know that the majority of drivers stick to the speed limit, drive to the conditions, wear their safety belts, never drive drunk, and are courteous, considerate and safe," said Police National Road policing Manager Superintendent Carey Griffiths.

"Holiday driving requires extra care and attention. At this time of year, perhaps more than any other, drivers can’t afford to become complacent for their own, and other peoples' safety on the roads.”

The call comes after Bay of Plenty Police responded yesterday to two separate fatal crashes in the Taupo area, one involving two visiting tourists, and the second a family of five.

Superintendent Griffiths said the tragedies were a devastating start to the Xmas holiday period, and that Police would be out in force over the summer.

“We will be focussing on drink driving, as it is a well-established fact that alcohol impairs driving performance and affects driving behaviour," said Superintendent Griffiths. “The consequences of drinking and driving can make for a tragic holiday season for many families. This is what we want to avoid if we possibly can."

“The responsibility for this is literally in the hands of each and every road user. For those that choose to flout the road rules, then police will be out on the roads to remind them,” he said.

With this in mind, Police will be out in force in all parts of the country over the holiday period and will prosecute every driver caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police will also extend the time period for the reduced speed tolerance. Police will be enforcing a lowered speed tolerance over an extended holiday period. Action will be taken against any driver detected driving any more than 4km over the permanent posted speed limit from 4pm on Friday 21st December until 7am Monday 7th January.

The police campaign on the roads this Christmas and New Year will emphasise:

•       Smooth traffic flows so driver frustration and delays are kept to a minimum;
•       Encouraging slower drivers to pull over safely to enable traffic to pass; and
•       Deterring those who put everyone else’s life at risk by driving too fast for the conditions, drinking and driving and other irresponsible behaviour.