Police on roads to restrict speed

SLOW DOWN: Hawke's Bay road policing Senior Sergeant Greg Brown says officers will be out in force this Easter Weekend. PHOTO/FILE

"Nobody wakes up and thinks 'I'm going to die today'," Hawke's Bay road policing Senior Sergeant Greg Brown says.

But last Easter five people lost their lives in crashes on New Zealand roads.

Authorities are urging caution throughout Hawke's Bay where they will be enforcing a reduced 4km/h speed threshold during the official holiday period, ending 6am Tuesday.

"As a general rule, on highways we notice speeds do come down, sadly we notice an increase straight afterwards, but it does make a noticeable difference across the board," Mr Brown said.

"In urban areas we don't see the same change; the public obviously perceive enforcement is only about the open road but we apply the same principals."

Police will also be looking out for speeding drivers in rural areas, which studies have shown to be danger zones.

Those from out of town are encouraged to slow down, get to know the roads and pull over for a rest if they start to feel tired.

Fatigue stops were set up by police yesterday and will be in action again on Monday to check up on those travelling long distances.

A focus on the prevention of risk-taking behaviour, including drink or drug-impaired driving and failing to wear safety belts, was yet another way to keep motorists safe.

The latest data available from Ministry of Transport shows alcohol or drugs contributed to about 30 per cent of all fatal crashes and 15 per cent of injury crashes, which translated to 78 people killed and another 1666 people hurt in 2013.

It identified similar proportions in crashes where speed was a factor - with 83 people dying and a further 1863 injured - while 37 died as a result of the occupant not being restrained.

"People will notice a high police presence on highways and towns in general; if they don't want to meet us and deal with the consequences - just follow these messages," Mr Brown said.

"They have been around for years yet we still see people making poor decisions - we want zero tolerance for at least the region but also the rest of the country."

It was not just individuals who should take responsibility, but those close to them, said road-policing national operations manager Inspector Peter McKennie.

That meant motorists setting aside distractions such as cellphones and driving to the existing weather and traffic conditions.

"There are really simple things that everyone can do ...

"Whether it's taking a few seconds to put a safety belt on, stopping a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel, reporting instances of dangerous driving, or simply making sure you plan your journey and drive fresh so you reach your destination safely.

"Our officers do not want to see anyone killed or injured or their friends and family torn apart this Easter by a crash that could easily have been avoided."

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said that whether on land or water there were always dangers to be aware of and take into consideration .

"The Easter holiday is the last long weekend for a while, many people will be travelling on our roads and boaties may be heading out on the water one last time before winter settles in," he said.

Road-safety charity Brake encouraged people to check their vehicles before setting off by examining tyres to ensure a tread depth of at least 3mm, that lights were clean and working and there was enough oil and water.

Wiper blades also need to be in working order, it said.

"We're calling on drivers to do everything possible to prevent tragedies over the long weekend and school holidays," Brake NZ director Caroline Perry said.

"We are urging [them] to be prepared, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and you check it before setting off."