Police are urging Kiwis to take extra care while travelling to their holiday 
destination after a tragic number of deaths on our roads in the lead up to 
Christmas.

Ten people have died on our roads in the last seven days, eight people since 
Monday alone.

There will be a significant increase in traffic volume over the next four to 
five days across New Zealand, which increases the crash risk, due to people 
driving on unfamiliar roads, more alcohol being consumed and drivers being 
fatigued.

“2021 has been a tough year for everyone due to Covid-19. People should be 
planning for Christmas and the holiday season, not planning tangi and 
funerals for loved ones,” Assistant Commissioner Bruce O’Brien says.

“The impact on whānau, friends and communities cannot be measured when 
someone is killed in a road crash.

"It’s also incredibly frustrating for Police to see people losing their 
lives in completely preventable incidents."

The same things are killing people on our roads , Assistant Commissioner 
O’Brien says.

“Speed, alcohol, distraction and unrestrained drivers and passengers are 
still the cause of death and serious injury."

Police remain focused on preventing these four main behaviours.

Please be patient, everyone is trying to get to loved ones safely. We’d 
rather you arrive alive than not at all.

Police will continue to have a visible presence on New Zealand roads this 
summer, taking enforcement action where necessary, but ultimately, drivers 
have the responsibility to keep their passengers, other road users, and 
themselves safe this holiday period.

As of 8am this morning, 310 people have died on New Zealand roads in 2021.
 

© Scoop Media