Police will enforce a four kilometre-per-hour speed tolerance over the Easter long weekend starting this afternoon, as they and other agencies appeal to drivers to be cautious and courteous to avoid accidents.
Last Easter two people died on New Zealand roads. But by yesterday, 100 people had already lost their lives in crashes this year, 16 more than for the same period last year.
Police say their focus is on ensuring people are driving safely and to the conditions.
From 4pm today to 6am on Tuesday, if you're detected by a safe speed camera exceeding the area's posted speed limit by more than 4km/h, you're are highly likely to be ticketed, police say.
"Last Easter, poor driver behaviour and speed were the main contributing factors of crashes," said Sandra Venables, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing.
"The most common factors were people not driving to the conditions, driving under the influence of alcohol, or being distracted.
"We want all road users to take care of themselves and their passengers."
Ms Venables says four main behaviours that contribute to road trauma are going too fast for the conditions; impairment such as fatigue, drugs, or alcohol; distractions such as using a cellphone; and not wearing seatbelts.
"I would like to see everybody make it through the weekend safely. Our staff will be out on the roads focused on preventing harm and addressing poor driver behaviour."
New Zealand Transport Agency safety and environment director Harry Wilson says because there will be more people on the roads over the holiday weekend it's important to plan ahead and be patient if you are caught up in traffic.
Real-time travel information is available on the NZTA website .
The safety messages "absolutely apply" to motorbike riders, who are even more vulnerable, says ACC's chief customer officer Mike Tully. He points out 19 riders and two pillions have lost their lives so far this year.
Meanwhile, Southern District Police say with events like Ed Sheeran in Dunedin, and Warbirds Over Wanaka over the long weekend, the traffic increase on highways in the district will be significant and road users should take extra care.
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