Police warn drivers after road toll passes total deaths at this time last year

Twelve more people have died on New Zealand roads than had at this time last year. Photo / File

Police are calling for Kiwis to adopt safer driving habits as the road toll continues to climb.

Eighteen people have been killed since April 20, six of whom were not wearing seatbelts, including one on a road with a 50km/h speed limit.

The road toll is now 12 deaths higher than it was at the same time last year.

Acting director of road policing, Inspector Peter McKennie, said Kiwis should be “extremely concerned” about the rising rate at which people are being killed on the country’s roads.

“Any death on the road is one too many. However, police are extremely frustrated due to the fact many of these deaths could have been avoided with safer driving behaviours.”

Of the 14 fatal crashes in the past fortnight, nine were head-on collisions caused by vehicles crossing the centre line on 100km/h stretches.

Sixteen deaths in total occurred on open roads with no traffic safety barriers, prompting police to advise drivers to take extra care in speed zones above 80km/h.

“There is simply no excuse for any driver to be endangering their lives and those of others with unsafe behaviours. Where we see any unsafe behaviours, you can expect to be stopped by police,” McKennie said.

“Police remain committed to keeping everyone safe on our roads, and work alongside our road safety partners to do this. But we cannot do it alone, we need everyone’s help to keep our roads safe.”

McKennie said “simple behaviours” such as slowing down, wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired go a long way towards making New Zealand’s roads safer.

“As a driver, never underestimate the decisions you make. They can affect not only you and those in your vehicle, but everyone else on the road around you as well.”

He warned motorists that police would not be tolerant towards those breaking road safety rules.

McKennie said the force’s thoughts are “first and foremost” with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.