As the summer holidays come to a close for many, Southern District Police are urging drivers to take care if they are hitting the roads in the coming days.
¡°We¡¯re expecting the roads in the southern area to be very busy between today and Sunday as holiday makers leave the Otago Lakes area,¡± says Area Commander?Inspector Olaf Jensen.
¡°It¡¯s really important that people consider their responsibility in keeping our roads safe before they get behind the wheel.
¡°We need motorists to take it easy and remember to check their speed, remove any distractions such a mobile phones, wear their seatbelts and avoid alcohol.
¡°Most importantly, be prepared for a slow journey. Plan to take regular breaks ¨C perhaps pack a picnic, and if you get stuck in slow moving traffic ¨C be patient and please don¡¯t take any risks.¡±
Police will have a strong presence on the main travel routes undertaking enforcement activities in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.
¡°We encourage road users to ring *555, or 111 in emergency or life-threatening situations, to report any unsafe driving or matters they believe endanger others,¡± says Inspector Jensen.
Over the holiday period Police have received a number of calls from motorists regarding traffic offending.
¡°This is fantastic to see ¨C it means people are taking road safety seriously and are asking Police to help in situations where motorists may be endangering others,¡± says Inspector Jensen.
¡°Motorists who use *555 regularly help Police to make successful interventions which potentially prevent tragic incidents involving death and serious injuries on our roads.
¡°With your help and cooperation, we can make our roads safer and ensure everyone gets home to their loved ones."
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre