"Don't drink and drive" message getting through to Waimārama drivers, police say
Police say Hawke's Bay drivers are taking the "don't drink and drive" message seriously following an ongoing operation in Waimārama.
Senior Sergeant Bryan Smith says more than 3,000 road-users were breath-tested during the festive season at police checkpoints in Waimārama.
Of these, only one has blown over the limit and has been prosecuted. One other road user received an infringement notice.
"Police wish to thank all drivers who’ve demonstrated that they are committed to keeping friends, whānau and fellow road-users safe.
"We know that alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in about a third of all fatal crashes. In the last five years, over 6,500 injury crashes had alcohol as a factor. 1,584 people were seriously injured, and 389 people were killed."
While these results are "fantastic", he says there will continue to be checkpoints across the region and an increased police presence on our roads as the holiday period draws to a close, to make sure everyone can get to their destination safely.
