Drive to survive this Queen’s Birthday weekend

The Land Transport Safety is advising motorists to buckle-up and be patient on their way to and from holiday destinations over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Last year eight people died and 109 were injured in crashes over the long weekend. Five of the fatal crashes and half the injury crashes took place on the open road.

The Director of Land Transport Safety, Reg Barrett, said today that motorists should take extra care, with heavier than usual traffic likely on open roads. Mr Barrett also warned motorists to take road and weather conditions into account when driving.

“It is important that motorists be patient and allow a little extra time to get to their destination. It is better to arrive safely than not at all.

“Maintain decent following distances between you and the vehicle in front to ensure that you have the time and space to react to any unexpected hazards. With winter setting in, motorists can expect reduced visibility and conditions such as fog, rain, ice or even low sun,” Mr Barrett said. “Please take extra care.”

The LTSA’s advice comes after 39 people were killed on New Zealand roads in May, five more fatalities than for the same month last year. The road toll was still the third lowest May toll since 1965 and a substantial improvement on the 80 deaths recorded in May 1973.

“There are still far too many people dying on our roads. This Queen’s Birthday weekend I ask motorists to please take their responsibility to themselves, their passengers, and all other road users seriously. Drive to survive,” Mr Barrett said.

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