Key Takeaways
- The Western Bay of Plenty road policing team is cracking down on risky behaviors such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving.
- Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter emphasizes the importance of drivers being 100% aware of their surroundings and avoiding distractions while driving.
- The number of road deaths in the Western Bay of Plenty police district remains at five, but the number could have been higher if not for the efforts of the road policing team.
- Drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions, allow extra time, and take regular breaks, especially during the Christmas holiday period.
- The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has provided a safety reminder and resources for drivers to check expected congestion periods and plan their journeys accordingly.
Introduction to Road Safety Concerns
The Western Bay of Plenty road policing team, led by Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, is taking a strong stance against risky behaviors on the road. Hunter made it clear that he will not apologize for the team’s approach, stating that people will be issued tickets for speeding, as it is a significant contributing factor to serious-injury and fatal crashes. The goal is to drive home the message that any speeding is dangerous and will not be tolerated. With the rain causing risks to rise sharply, Hunter braces for serious crashes as soon as the weather turns, particularly on State Highway 29 (SH29).
Risks on State Highway 29
SH29 is considered a particularly bad road for inattention and risky behavior. Hunter notes that impatient people take big risks on this road, such as overtaking in the wrong places, turning into the path of other vehicles, and using mobile phones. In fact, more than 900 drivers in the Western Bay have been ticketed for phone use in the first nine months of the year, averaging 100 offenders every month. This highlights the need for drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions while driving. The road policing team is working to crack down on these behaviors, including speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and drink and drug-impaired driving.
The Importance of Seatbelts and Avoiding Distractions
Hunter emphasizes that wearing a seatbelt should be an automatic habit when getting into a vehicle. He explains that wearing a seatbelt can save a person’s life in the event of a crash, especially if the car rolls. Unfortunately, the team sees people every day not wearing a seatbelt and using their phones, which is why they are continuing to crack down on these behaviors. Hunter also notes that people should never drive fatigued, as they risk falling asleep at the wheel. This is exactly what happened to a male driver who drove into the back of another car on the Lower Kaimai Range at 3 am on December 23. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt, but it could have easily been a different story.
Enforcement and Education
Hunter’s team is working to educate drivers about the importance of road safety and the risks associated with certain behaviors. While he would not reveal the number of police officers on duty during the Christmas holiday period, he confirmed that most of the road policing staff and the alcohol and drug-impairment enforcement team would be working. Hunter has also equipped ordinary patrol cars with speed radars, allowing officers to assist with enforcement when they become available from other frontline duties. The team’s message is clear: drivers need to abide by the road rules strictly, including not speeding, putting down their phones, buckling up, and not driving if they have been drinking or taking drugs.
NZ Transport Agency Safety Reminder
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has reminded travelers to drive to the conditions, allow extra time, and take regular breaks. The busiest routes in the Bay of Plenty are expected to include SH2 Paeroa-Waihī, SH2 Tauranga-Katikati, and SH29 over the Kaimai Range. Drivers can check expected congestion periods using the agency’s Bay of Plenty or Waikato summer holiday journey planners. A Christmas shutdown on roadworks runs until midnight on January 4, although some temporary traffic management may remain in place to protect work sites. The agency’s spokesperson notes that this is an opportunity for hard-working crews to have some well-earned downtime. By following the road policing team’s advice and the NZ Transport Agency’s safety reminder, drivers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period for everyone.