Key Takeaways
- The Tauranga Police have reported a handful of drink-driving incidents in the past week, with one incident resulting in moderate damage to a car and a 28-day driving suspension for the driver.
- Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter urges people not to drive if they have consumed alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, especially with New Year celebrations approaching.
- Driver behaviour across the district has been "very good" during the holiday period, with most people being patient and not taking unnecessary risks.
- Infringement notices issued in the Western Bay of Plenty have dropped considerably compared to last year’s Christmas holiday enforcement period.
- Police are warning drivers to take extreme care on the roads due to poor weather forecasts for New Year’s.
Introduction to the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for celebration and relaxation, but it also poses a significant risk to road safety. With many people attending parties and gatherings, the risk of drink-driving and other hazardous behaviours increases. In Tauranga, the police have been working to combat this issue, with Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter reporting a handful of drink-driving incidents in the past week. One incident, in particular, resulted in moderate damage to a car and a 28-day driving suspension for the driver. The driver opted for a blood test, which will take two to three weeks to process.
Drink-Driving Incidents
Hunter noted that while only a handful of people had been caught drink-driving in Tauranga in the past week, he expected that number to rise as New Year celebrations approached. He urged people not to drive if they had consumed alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, emphasizing the importance of road safety during the holiday period. The police are taking a proactive approach to addressing drink-driving, with Hunter encouraging people to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements for getting home safely. This can include designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi.
Driver Behaviour
Despite the risks associated with drink-driving, Hunter reported that driver behaviour across the district had been "very good" during the holiday period. Most people have been patient and not taking unnecessary risks, which is a positive sign for road safety. The police have been targeting drivers who speed, use their phones, and fail to wear seatbelts, and the results have been encouraging. Compared to last year’s Christmas holiday enforcement period, the number of infringement notices issued in the Western Bay of Plenty has dropped considerably, particularly on State Highway 29. Hunter attributed this decrease to the success of the police’s safety messages, which have been well-received by the public.
Police Enforcement
The police are continuing to monitor driver behaviour and enforce road safety laws during the holiday period. Hunter warned that anyone involved in a road-rage incident should immediately call 111, rather than pursuing the other driver. This is because situations can quickly escalate, and it is essential to prioritize safety. The police have received several complaints about dangerous driving through the 105 phoneline, but Hunter noted that callers sometimes forget to provide the registration number of the offending vehicle. He assured the public that the police follow up on all complaints, provided they can identify the other vehicle and the driver.
New Year’s Warning
With a poor weather forecast for New Year’s, Hunter urged drivers to take "extreme care" on the roads. This includes driving to the conditions, slowing down, watching following distances, wearing a seatbelt, and putting down phones. The police are concerned that the poor weather may increase the risk of accidents, and they are urging drivers to be vigilant and cautious. By taking these precautions, drivers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period for everyone. As the year comes to a close, the police are reminding the public that road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in preventing accidents and reducing the risk of injury or death on the roads.
