'Better safe than sorry': Can we make this summer the safest?

Transport officials are urging Kiwis to drive safely this holiday, reminding motorists that police will be out to enforce the road rules.

Tragically, two lives were lost on our roads on Christmas Eve, according to police said.

One person died at the scene of a vehicle crash in the Auckland suburb of Wharehine on Pah Hill Road just after 10pm on 24 December.

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash involving a car in Parkvale, Tauranga.

A child also died after being struck by a vehicle in a driveway in Masterton on Christmas Day. This incident occurred on Atkinson Street and was reported just after 3.10pm.

“Police extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time,” a spokesperson said.

Investigations into these incidents are ongoing.

The official holiday road toll began at 4pm on Christmas Eve and will end at 6am on 5 January.

A person died in New Plymouth on Christmas Eve before the official holiday period began when a car crashed into a house.

Photo/supplied

During the 2022-2023 holiday season, there were 21 deaths on the roads, while 16 fatalities were reported in the 2021-2022 period.

Tongan David Paea, a Detective Senior Sergeant at the Manukau Police Station, encourages motorists not to drink and drive.

"One of the key things during Christmas is alcohol. Alcohol is good, but too much is not good," he told John Pulu on PMN Tonga.

"It comes down to no drinking and driving. So, it comes down to planning. If you are planning to have a big night or you're going out, don't drink and drive because the police will be out there.

"And if you think they won't be there, they will be somewhere. Just to be safe.

"If you're drinking, if you know you're going to go out and have lots of drinks or drinking with family and friends, just make sure you have a sober driver or just make arrangements to Uber home or get someone to pick you up.

Watch Detective Senior Sergeant David Paea's full interview below.

"It's better to be safe than sorry. That's one of the key things at the moment, really is alcohol, John."

Paea says another issue is that many people are out shopping and keeping safe, ensuring their car is locked. Any valuables inside the vehicle are "locked away or underneath the seat".

He says there are "opportunists out there who will see something and, without a doubt, try to break in.

"This is when a lot of thefts, a lot of handbag snatches, and robberies occur, so just be aware of your surroundings as well. The malls are busy; the roads are busier now that many people are into more of that holiday period.

"Just being nice and being kind to each other is important. It's good to enjoy time with our families and friends and reflect on the year. We want you to have fun, and you certainly don't want police to come around and take people away."

Paea says it comes down to "planning your night out or whatever you're doing and making sure you have a backup plan in case things don't go as planned".

Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says this time of year can be stressful and may lead to poor road decision-making.

“Whether you are travelling to see loved ones, embarking on a road trip with friends, or exploring all that New Zealand has to offer, please take care and drive responsibly,” he says.

“You can expect to see Police anywhere, anytime, on the road. They will be out to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users including speeding and driver impairment, and ensuring road users are wearing their seatbelts.

“Drive to the conditions. Don’t put yourselves and others at risk. If you’re having a drink this holiday season, don’t drive.”

Drunk and drugged drivers are a major contributor to deaths on our roads, he says.

“The Government is focussed on increasing enforcement and providing new tools to police to reduce alcohol and drug-related deaths on our roads.”

Photo/SA-webpage

This year, over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were conducted on our roads than the previous year, and a new annual target of 3.3 million alcohol breath tests and screenings has been set.

“We know alcohol breath testing and drug testing are incredibly effective at saving lives. That is why we are prioritising road policing and enforcement to improve road safety,” Brown says.

The Government is also progressing legislation to enable roadside oral fluid drug testing, which is expected to roll out in 2025.

This will allow police to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside using oral fluid testing devices, similar to current procedures for drink-driving enforcement.

“Plan ahead. Check the weather conditions, determine where you’re going to have breaks and ensure you’re not under the influence when you get behind the wheel,” Brown says.

For more safe summer driving tips, visit the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).