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Police are warning motorists to take extra care on the roads this Labour Weekend, as the official holiday road toll period begins at 4pm this Friday and ends at 6am Tuesday.
According to Ministry of Transport data, 223 people have died on New Zealand roads so far this year, compared with 220 at the same time last year.
Police say there will be zero tolerance for unsafe driving over the long weekend, with officers out on roads “at any location and at any time” to stop dangerous behaviour.
Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector John Fagan said there had been an increase in serious incidents in recent weeks, including 38 people caught driving while intoxicated in Northland last week alone.
He said officers would be focusing on speed, alcohol, drugs, and driver fatigue.
“We have zero tolerance for the type of behaviour that puts lives at risk. Slow down, do not drink and drive, and follow the rules. It’s that simple really.”
Police and road safety partners say tiredness remains a major factor in long-weekend crashes. Drivers are urged to take regular breaks, share the driving if possible, and ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt.
Officials say simple precautions such as driving to the conditions and avoiding distractions can make the difference between walking away from a crash or being seriously injured – or worse.
