Families, friends, whanau need to start taking more responsibility

Police are urging the public to take greater care of their friends and family after this weekend's tragic start to the holiday weekend.  So far six people have lost their lives on New Zealand roads this Labour weekend, four of whom who died in a fiery crash in Tairawhiti (Gisborne) on Saturday night.

National Manager of Road Policing, Superintendent Carey Griffiths, said that despite constant messaging about the dangers of speed, alcohol and failure to wear seatbelts, they remained consistent factors in serious and fatal crashes.  "People being killed and injured don't just start speeding, drink driving and not wearing seatbelts on holiday weekends" he said.  "Families, friends, whanau all see these behaviours on a consistent basis and it is time we all started taking more responsibility".

Superintendent Griffiths said that whilst Police would continue their efforts to enforce poor driver behaviours, everyone has a role to play. "Our message that road safety is everyone's responsibility means just that" he said.  "If you see your friends and family not following the basic rules, challenge them on it.  You may save a life."