The Christmas/New Year break is the season for beach trips and getting away and - sadly - as a result, can also be a time of tragedy on Hawke's Bay's roads. RoadSafe Hawke's Bay is an education service aimed at reducing the number and severity of traffic smashes across the region. We spoke to regional manager Linda Anderson about the year that's been and her hopes for 2015.
1 How has 2014 been from a road safety perspective?
There has been an increase in fatal crashes this year, which is very sad. There are so many impacts when someone is either critically injured or killed. As a road safety group it is very saddening to see so many occurring in the Hawke's Bay region.
2 What are RoadSafe Hawke's Bay's wishes and goals for 2015?
The RoadSafe Hawke's Bay team would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period. Our wish is for a reduction in fatal and serious crashes. We have too many people dying or being critically injured. Sadly some of the victims are in other vehicles just going about their day. We need to respect all road users and drive cautiously and safely.
3 What are your top driving tips for Bay drivers over the holidays?
Drive to the conditions - this can include rain, wind etc or roadworks. Also get plenty of sleep before travelling and plan to take breaks along the way. Drive sober and drug-free. We would like everyone to be safe on our roads, road safety is everyone's responsibility and drivers should drive accordingly. Hawke's Bay unfortunately is well known for its crashes over festive times and we would hope that this won't be the case over the summer period.
4 What impact do you think the new lower drink-drive limits will have in the Bay?
I would like to think that people are being very cautious around how much they can drink before driving. Our message will always be have a sober driver as even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver's capability to drive safely.
5 What's your view on the rural road speed limit changes recently passed by Hastings District Council, and due to take effect from February 1?
When considering road safety, any changes made to increase safety are always a positive step.