MEDIA RELEASE
23 December 2009
Since January Taupo roads have claimed the lives of 18 people, with alcohol and speed being amongst the major contributing factors. The message from emergency services these holidays is simple "don't drink and drive".
Members of Taupo’s emergency services are pleading with drivers to stay safe on the roads these holidays. Alcohol and speed remain as two of the major contributing factors to road crashes, typically with a spike over the Christmas and New Year period.
“We want people to be able to enjoy the coming ‘silly season’ by spending’ time with friends and family, so we are asking that they take it easy on the roads so they can make it home,” says Taupo Fire Area Commander Nigel Richards.
St John Operations Team Manager Graeme Harvey says it is a busy and sometimes unpleasant time of year for emergency services. “We are the ones who see the carnage first hand, and have to pick up the pieces. We are pleading to drivers to stay safe on the roads these holidays. We also like to enjoy the festive season, so please keep the speed down, and if you are drinking, don’t drive!”
Taupo District Council has launched a new drink-driving campaign in conjunction with the Taupo Police, which includes billboards and a radio message. The billboards, which feature a typical festive family photo with one family member missing due to a fatal road crash, are positioned throughout the Taupo District on Broadlands Rd, Poihipi Rd, Spa Rd, Acacia Bay Rd, and two in Turangi town.
Taupo District Council Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison says that despite the statistics, the message is unfortunately still not reaching some people. “Drinking and driving simply don’t mix. If you are planning to drink, then you need to also plan a way to get home, its really quite simple.”
Ms Hutchison warns that police will be on the look out for drink drivers over the coming weeks. “Unlike fatigue, texting, or other forms of distraction, police can identify when a driver has been drinking or speeding, so will be pushing this message over the festive season,” says Ms Hutchison.
Taupo Police Senior Sergeant Fane Troy says that drivers have been warned. “We will be out in force over the festive season, so if you thinking about taking the risk, watch out. We won’t have any sympathy when we catch you.”
Taupo’s emergency services, Graeme Harvey (St John), Nigel Richards (Taupo Fire), and Fane Troy (Taupo Police), with a message for drivers this holiday season.