Driving needs your full attention

NZ Police, NZTA, and ACC are coming together this May as part of the Better Together campaign to collectively deter people in the Central District from thinking its ok to drive distracted.
 
The campaign urges drivers to take a simple but powerful step:  put your phone on do not disturb, set it to silent, or turn it off before you drive.
 
Nearly 40 percent of New Zealanders admit to sending or reading text messages when driving, and nearly 20 percent check or reply to social media messages.

Horizons Regional Council road safety coordinator Val Overweel says it’s nothing new that driving distracted with your mobile phone significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury, not only to drivers, but to everyone around them.
 
“Driving demands your full attention. When people decide to use their phones while driving, they’re putting not only themselves, but their passengers and other people on the road at risk – there’s simply no excuse.
 
“As a community we must not tolerate this dangerous behaviour of driving distracted,” says Mrs Overweel.
 
Throughout May and June, people will be reminded of the consequences through education and advertising, backed up on the ground by Police enforcement and driver education.
 
Central District road policing manager Inspector Phil Ward says people should expect to see Police on the roads.
 
“We’re out on the roads keeping you and everyone else safe with targeted enforcement to ensure drivers are fully focused on driving.
 
“There’s no excuse for driving distracted by a mobile phone. If you’ve been found behind the wheel using your phone, expect to face the consequences.
 
“It’s not worth putting yourself and others at risk of death or serious injury.
 
“Together we can make everyone safer on the roads, but we need your help.
 
“Make the decision to keep yourself and others safe, because there's more to risk if you are driving and using your phone.”