Drivers take police message to heart

The lowest Queen’s Birthday road toll in over 50 years has pleased but not surprised Police who say that reducing speed is an important part of reducing death and injury on the roads.

Police introduced a 'no excuses' policy towards all drivers breaking the speed limit this weekend and vowed to take action against those caught driving more than 4 kilometres over the posted permanent speed limit. This is part of a wider operation which saw more police on the network, a focus on slow drivers, as well as speeding drivers and high levels of alcohol testing.

“We are pleased but not surprised, said Superintendent Paula Rose today.

We had confidence in the driving public and together we have all made a real difference."

With only one death until 4pm this weekend, so far this is the lowest Queen’s Birthday road toll in more than 50 years. There was also a reduction in the number of crashes overall and the seriousness of those crashes which reduced from 341 last year to 292 this year.

“This may well be a reflection of the lower speeds,” said Superintendent Rose,
But also of drivers just taking that extra bit of care, it can make all the difference between life and death in some cases."

"The shocking weather throughout the country has also posed hazards and there are still people who are driving home. Our message to them is take care, take time, and take note of the warnings. If a road is closed, it is closed, don’t try to get through. There is a lot of flooding, slips, and visibility is very poor in many areas.

We still have some time before the weekend is over and we do want to make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.

“We have had a busy weekend but everyone has played a part and together we have made this weekend safer for everyone,” she said.