Keep speed and the road toll down, urge police

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have promised a crackdown on errant drivers this Easter holiday weekend in a bid to keep the country's road toll down at one of the lowest levels it has been for years.

The death toll so far this year is 87 compared with 133 for the same period last year and police said one factor in that was reduced speed.

From 4pm today until the holiday period officially ends at 6am on Tuesday, police will be writing tickets to anyone they catch at only 4km/h over the speed limit. The tolerance was usually 10km/h but police said a lower speed tolerance was helping reduce the death toll on the roads and would be strictly enforced this holiday weekend.

They said they would also be out in force to crack down on the other "big killers" on the road -- such as crossing the centre line, failure to wear safety belts and drink driving.

"Each year people needlessly lose their lives because of a failure to keep left. Crossing the centre line usually results in a head on crash and these are most often fatal," said the national manager, road policing, Superintendent Paula Rose.

She said police would also be encouraging slower drivers to pull over and let other traffic pass.

"We want every journey to be a safer journey for everyone everywhere," she said.

Simple and sensible precautions saved lives, she said.

Last Easter 12 people died on the roads over the holiday period.

The Automobile Association welcomed the police crackdown but general manager of motoring affairs, Mike Noon, said it was worried many motorists believed the only people who crashed were those who were speeding or who had been drinking.

"Lots of crashes happen when someone is within the speed limit and has not been drinking.

"Whilst fatigue and distraction are important crash causes, police data actually shows poor observation by drivers is the most common factor in crashes."

At Easter more cars were on the road and people were driving longer distances.

"So it is even more important for motorists to be focused on their driving and the risks around them.

"Drivers who are focused on the task of driving are far less likely to crash."

He said the AA safe driving tips included:

* The ABC for safe driving: stay alert, take breaks and be considerate;
* In bad autumn weather slow down and increase your following distance if roads are wet and take particular care when it first starts to rain as roads may be greasy and slippery;
* Beware of sun strike in the morning and evening. Keep your windscreen clean;
* Before a long journey check the warrant of fitness, tyre pressure, oil and windscreen washer fluid and carry water in case you get stuck in a traffic jam;
* Do not drive when overly tired;
* Take breaks every two hours and share the driving on long journeys;
* Drive with headlights on during the day, especially if light conditions are poor;
* Wear bright, reflective clothing when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

- NZPA