‘Slow down, take your time’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

With Anzac Day falling on Tuesday this year, police are expecting many people will have an extended long weekend.

They are urging those travelling to wear seatbelts, to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, remove distractions, and slow down.

“We do not want a repeat of last year where 12 people died on the roads over Anzac weekend,” said National Road Policing director Superintendent Steve Greally.

This week also got off to a devastating start with seven people losing their lives in serious crashes.

“We don’t want anyone else to experience the loss of a loved one from a bad decision on the road.”

Superintendent Greally said police would continue to focus on the main behaviours which contribute to death and serious injury on the roads at all times — “but particularly over a long weekend when we know there will be more drivers and riders on the roads”.

“Please slow down, take your time, and drive to the conditions.

‘We will be out on the roads targeting drivers who put themselves and others at risk.”