These motorists were photographed by police crossing double
yellow lines on southern roads this summer. Photos by NZ
Police.
Photos of appalling driving on southern roads have
prompted a warning from police for those who cross the centre
line.
The warning comes before Waitangi Day - the first to fall on
a Monday since 2006, meaning a three-day holiday for many
this weekend - with police promising to be visible on
southern roads.
Southern district police photographs, which have been
released to the Otago Daily Times, show three vehicles
- including one towing a boat - crossing double yellow lines.
While each driver was likely to face a fine of $150 and the
potential loss of 20 demerit points, their actions put lives
at risk, police said.
District road policing acting manager Senior Sergeant Steve
Larking said drivers who crossed the centre line "endanger
the lives of other road users and represent a real risk".
"Numerous people have been killed or injured through this
kind of driving behaviour," he said.
Crossing the centre line was one of the most dangerous things
motorists could do.
"It goes without saying that, if you cross the centre line,
you are at greater risk of travelling in the path of an
oncoming vehicle and causing a serious injury to yourself,
your family or other road users."
Motorists who crossed the centre line were often driving too
quickly, were distracted or tired, or even affected by
alcohol or drugs.
Police have also warned motorists that driving too slowly
also presented a risk to other road users, and those who
noticed traffic building up behind them should pull over in a
safe place to let others pass.
"This means other drivers are less likely to become
frustrated and attempt a dangerous or risky passing manoeuvre
that could compromise the safety of other road users."
In addition to alcohol checkpoints and speed cameras, police
would be enforcing a 4kmh-lower speed tolerance this weekend,
he said.
The lower speed tolerance would be extended this month, as
February had been identified as a high-risk month in terms of
road safety and road toll.
Lowering the speed tolerance during holiday weekends meant
fewer deaths and injuries resulting from crashes, he said.
- hamish.mcneilly@odt.co.nz
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