Waikato Police see red over road safety this holiday weekend

Waikato Police working to keep the District's roads safe this holiday weekend are warning motorists about tiredness, not just of those behind the wheel but of the vehicles they are driving as well.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said last year, one person died on Waikato roads over Labour Weekend and this year officers would be maintaining a high profile out on the roads to prevent further tragedies.

"The official holiday period starts from 4pm on Friday and goes through to 6am on Monday. Labour Weekend this year also comes at the end of the first week of school for the new term and we're conscious drivers may be fatigued after a long week at work while their young passengers may be tired as well.

"This weekend is also the first long weekend since June and is also the start of longer daylight hours so it's been about four months since drivers have had to contend with peak traffic flows as everyone heads out of town."

As part of the Police's enhanced profile on the roads Waikato motorists can expect to encounter one significant difference, the country's only red marked Police patrol car.

"This patrol car was highly successful in raising public awareness about road safety during the national fieldays in June and we're anticipating it's presence on major holiday routes will have a positive effect raising the issue in the minds of motorists travelling across our District."

Mr Tooman said since the red car's introduction on Waikato roads feedback had shown the different coloured patrol car was a simple, but effective tool to prevent road trauma.

"And there's some simple steps motorists can take to keep themselves safe over the holiday weekend.

"As mentioned earlier, ensure both you and your car are fit for the road. Be aware of the risks of fatigue from burning the candle at both ends. Avoid alcohol and driving and be aware the roads will be a lot busier."

At the same time drivers are asked to ensure their cars, trailers, caravans and boat trailers are fit for the road.

"Boat trailers and caravans may have been sitting for some time. Make sure the brakes are up to standard and your indicators and brakelights are up to scratch, you may know what you're doing out on the road but other motorists need to know as well.

"If we take care of ourselves we're playing a major part in taking care of each other out on the roads, working together to ensure we'll all be around to enjoy the forthcoming summer," said Mr Tooman.