Police are urging motorists to buckle up and not to text and drive after 174 infringement notices were issued in Hawke's Bay.
It comes as two checkpoint operations were carried out in the region yesterday and today, eastern road policing manager Inspector Angela Hallett said.
A checkpoint set up on Pakowhai Rd and Heretaunga St in Hastings today saw police issue 63 infringement notices.
Of that number, 52 people were stopped for using mobile phones, while a further 11 were not wearing seatbelts.
Yesterday, police issued 111 offences at a checkpoint on Hyderabad Rd and Corunna Bay in Napier.
Thirty-seven people were stopped for using their phone while driving, while a further 11 were not wearing seatbelts.
Sixty-three drivers were also issued infringement notices for speeding offences.
"We know that one of the main contributing factors to crashes is distraction, including from mobile phone use — so put your phone away when you're driving," Hallett said.
Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the harm caused to drivers and passengers involved in a crash, so always buckle up.
"You can expect to see police out on the roads anywhere anytime."
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