Drive to survive the holiday weekend – LTSA

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

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

“With winter setting in, you can expect reduced visibility and conditions such as fog, rain, ice or even low sun. It is important that you are patient and allow a little extra time to get to your destination. It is better to arrive safely than not at all.

“It is also wise to check the tyres and brakes on your vehicle before setting off on any journey. If you are heading for the mountains make sure you carry chains and fit them properly if you encounter snow,” Mr Wright said.

The warning comes after 49 people were killed on New Zealand roads last month – the highest May road toll in five years, according to the LTSA. The May road toll included one weekend in which 10 people were killed in 8 crashes.

“That is a terrible level of carnage, and should serve as a humble reminder to motorists this holiday weekend.”

Last year seven people were killed, 30 suffered serious injuries and a further 66 received minor injuries in crashes over Queen’s Birthday weekend. Six of the seven deaths occurred in open road crashes.

The worst Queen’s Birthday weekend road toll in the past 20 years was in 1981 when 15 people were killed. The lowest Queen’s Birthday road toll in the past 20 years was in 1995 when two people were killed.

© Scoop Media