Police say motorists throughout the Waikato region can expect to be breath and drug tested at any time, day or night, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce harm on roads within the area.
New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi, Waikato councils and New Zealand Police are collaborating to deter impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and endangering their lives and others as driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue remains a concerning behaviour that has resulted in numerous deaths and serious injuries.
“Every death on our roads is a tragedy for whānau, friends and the wider community,” say Taupō road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight.
“We won’t tolerate this dangerous behaviour of driving impaired in our community. The majority of people understand the message but those who don’t are putting everyone in harm’s way with their reckless behaviour.”
During July and August, people will be reminded through advertising and education of the consequences of drink or drug driving – an approach that will be supported by increased levels of police enforcement activities.
“Everyone should expect police to enforce anytime, anywhere on our roads. There’s no excuse for driving impaired – whether it’s by alcohol, drugs,” says Taupō Senior Sergeant Fane Troy.
“If you’re caught and found to be over the limit or test positive for recent use of drugs, expect the appropriate enforcement action to be undertaken. It’s not worth putting yourself and others at risk of death or serious injury.”
Sarah Wraight reinforces the message that personal responsibility is key.
“It’s on drivers to make the decision to keep themselves and others safe on the road. We’ve seen or know of families or communities torn apart as a result of a road death that could have been avoided. Together we can make everyone safer on the roads, but we need your help to do so.”
Key messages on impaired driving
· Drink driving is a leading contributor to deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.
· If you’re at the point of doing booze maths to justifying driving after drinking, you should get a sober ride home.
· Police can be anywhere, anytime – we operate 24/7. If you choose to drive impaired, there is a real chance you will be stopped.
· Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Choosing not to drive after drinking is one simple decision that can save lives.
· You can always come across a NZ Police checkpoint on your way home, so make sure you get a sober driver sorted.
· Every road death has a ripple effect far beyond the crash scene, impacting whānau, friends, workmates and the wider community.
· If you are planning to drink, plan your ride home before you go out. A sober driver, taxi or rideshare is always the safer choice.
· Most people do the right thing on our roads, but it only takes one poor decision to cause lifelong harm.
Key messages on roadside drug testing.
· Police can test drivers for qualifying drugs anywhere at any time and aligns with what we have in place for alcohol today.
· All drivers will be typically tested for alcohol first.
· Police will start testing at the roadside for the following four drugs: THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine.
· Roadside drug testing has been introduced to help detect and deter drug driving, and to reduce the numbers of serious injuries and death caused by drug drivers on our roads.
