Police have strong presence on Labor Weekend highway

To deter unsafe driver behavior, police will be highly visible on major highways across the country this Labor Weekend.

Labor Weekend traffic is traditionally congested on major highways as city dwellers head to vacation destinations to benefit from the transition to warmer weather.

Superintendent Steve Greeley, director of road police, said motorists can expect to see police anytime and anywhere on the highway that crosses the motu.

“On weekends, you may see a police car on the highway every 15 or 20 minutes. increase.

“We hope that this will be a real motivation for drivers to always maintain a safe speed and focus on reaching their destination safely.”

Eight people died in road accidents during last year’s Labor Weekend, when COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place for people in Northland, Auckland and Waikato.

“There are too many road deaths and we do not want to repeat that number this year. Everyone must do their part to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries. Police and road safety Partners are limited in what they can do.”

Waka Kotahi Land Transport Director Kane Patena said it is important to plan ahead and anticipate congestion.

Motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website – www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz – Get real-time travel information before your trip and stay up-to-date on delays, road works and road closures.

“Whether you’re heading out of town to see a friend or Whanau, or staying home this long weekend, make sure you get to your destination safely,” says Patena.

“Be careful, plan ahead, and be considerate of others when you hit the road.

“A certain amount of congestion and delays are inevitable during peak hours, but if everyone leaves enough time to move and drives according to the conditions, they can focus on getting to their destination safely.”

Police patrols focus on all major driver behaviors that lead to traffic accidents. Drivers who may be disabled by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. People not wearing seat belts or appropriate restraints. Drivers are distracted, especially by using mobile phones.

“These are the four main factors that cause road accidents, but they’re pretty easy to avoid. Before you’re tempted to do these things, check yourself – or think about the consequences.” Please, it’s not worth it,” says Superintendent Greeley.

“Speed ​​is the single biggest factor in the extent of injury in a collision and can be the difference between ‘carry or run’.

“For every 1 km/h reduction in average speed, there is about a 5% reduction in road traffic injuries, saving about 16 lives.”

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Published by Police Media Center