Bay of Plenty motorists are putting too many lives at risk by not wearing seat belts and texting while driving, says police.
More than 60 drivers have been issued with infringement notices following an Eastern Bay of Plenty Police campaign focusing on driver behaviour.
Fifty-three occupants of vehicles failed to wear a restraint and 10 drivers were caught driving while using a cell phone from July 4-17.
Sergeant Ray Wylie of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Policing group says this is a hugely disappointing result.
'We know drivers who are distracted are more likely to be involved in crashes and that those who crash and are not restrained are more likely to be injured or die on our roads.
'Drivers need to be aware of the very real risk that distractions present, especially talking, texting, and checking emails on mobile phones while driving. Put the phone away,” says Ray.
Police also issued 158 infringement notices to drivers in breach of their graduated licence conditions during this period.
Crashes in the Eastern Bay of Plenty have increased this year compared to last year.
'Too many drivers are losing control on straight roads and bends. Driving safely is the responsibility of every road user, they need to consider the risks and conditions before making decisions,” says Ray.
Police will have a presence in and around schools next week as students return back from the holidays.
Motorists are asked to consider the risks around schools - this includes speed, driving to the conditions and the correct use of restraints.
'Parents, whānau and caregivers should refrain from parking in and around school gates as it can create chaos when students and vehicles are negotiating the same areas.”
From Monday July 25, to Sunday August 7, another campaign like this will be run in the Eastern Bay of Plenty targeting restraints, cell phones and general road safety behaviour.
Since January 2014, only one person who was unrestrained in a vehicle has been killed on Eastern Bay of Plenty roads.
'This is a significant improvement but we cannot rest on our laurels.”
Nationally (January – March 2016) 41 per cent of vehicle occupants killed in road crashes were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
'This is 28 people whose deaths could have been prevented. Wearing a seat belt reduces your chance of death or serious injury in a crash by about 50 per cent. Seat belts save lives – it's that simple.”
Ray says driving requires a motorist's complete attention and they need to keep control of their vehicle at the same time as maintaining an awareness of the surroundings and potential hazards.
17 comments
Fines not working
Posted on 20-07-2016 12:33 | By maildrop
Some more fines to add to the half a billion unpaid. Whoopy do. Only when the punishments get real will the really dumb learn. Phones should taken away and crushed if they're texting. Minimum. Cars should be crushed. These idiots should not be on the roads.
More effort please
Posted on 20-07-2016 12:48 | By Gigilo
I see more people per day using cell phones while driving and travelling 24 Km round trip to work each day. The fines and demerit points need to be much higher for this offence.
From across the Tasman
Posted on 20-07-2016 13:03 | By hapukafin
Our law makers can learn a thing or two from the Aussies
Posted on 20-07-2016 13:05 | By Chris
Of the 63 drivers caught "putting lives at risk" 50 of them (84%) were ticketed for not wearing a seat belt. How does this put anyone's life at risk except the person who decides (as a consenting adult) not to wear a seat belt? Let's not pretend this is a safety campaign.
If people...
Posted on 20-07-2016 14:46 | By GreertonBoy
Are thick enough to not want to wear seatbelts... why not let them leave them off? Let Darwins theory take care of them.... but, if they choose not to wear a simple safety device... then they prolly wont be interested in other devices to save them, like ambulances and helicopters.... so those who choose not to wear a seatbelt can make their own way to hospital after an accident? That way it wont cost the rest of us $$ to transport the nongs because they are stupid or stubborn? Same goes for helmets on motorbikes as far as I am concerned... To me, if you aren't interested in personal safety, then why should the rest of us be paying for other peoples lack of intelligence?
Chris
Posted on 20-07-2016 15:26 | By maildrop
Your maths is incorrect and your statement is misguided. As well as risking their own life they are risking the lives of fellow passengers and those in other vehicles. Putting that aside, it isn't down to individuals to decide what laws they abide by. Unfortunately some people are just too stupid to make intelligent judgements so we have a system of rule makers telling the dumb what's what. Obviously, anybody with more than 2 brain cells puts the seatbelt on without having to be told. It demonstrates to me that being granted a licence is too easy and should require an intelligence test.
Maths Chris
Posted on 20-07-2016 15:38 | By maildrop
53/63 is 84% - your comment said 50 and that is what I read. That said, your comment is still misguided. I hope you're not one of those that thinks because you are "an adult" that means you decide how to go about life? Civilised societies must have laws and rule of law. An adult as you put it would understand this. It's actually very childish (dumb) to think you can pick and choose what laws to obey.
Seatbelts
Posted on 20-07-2016 19:11 | By waiknot
The problem is those who don't wear Seatbelts more than likely won't do the job properly and end up as vegetables us tax payers need to support.
What really happens
Posted on 21-07-2016 10:26 | By BullShtAlert
Repeat criminal offenders with no regard for anyone clock up thousands of dollars in fines then get let off with some silly minor so-called community service. The rest of us however aren't so lucky and pay our fines. Unless of course we are like that policewoman who got diversion. But now I've got that off my chest, distracted driving is serious and a threat to others on the roads. The law must be enforced equally and then the police get my full support.
Consistency!
Posted on 21-07-2016 17:18 | By Blasta
Well done police. Something I've noticed unfortunately is your inconsistency. For months on end I see no police presence and then all of a sudden it's almost a blitzkreig! People can't be blamed if they were to think you're deliberately lulling them into a sense of security just to make heaps of money. And the number of cyclists breaking the law by flagrantly not wearing cycle helmets. A law not enforced is worse than not having it as a law. I sincerely appreciate the efforts you put in for our safety. Maybe sack the politicians for ones who will give you the resources to really do your job? Thanks team
Tip of the iceberg
Posted on 21-07-2016 18:59 | By Dwilkin
Drove home tonight 5 km witnessed 4 drivers on phones! . 60 in 13 days - where are you? This is paying lip service - contract out, do what they do in the states, motorbike with go pro on helmet, drive alongside vehicles catch red handed! I'm available on commission!
Txting
Posted on 21-07-2016 19:00 | By swt3
I'm a Motorcyclist, & every day during my commute to work, I either follow a car driver, or am being followed by someone who is constantly on their cell phone. I can't TXT while RIDING, so why should you be able to do it. I have to STOP to TXT, so you should too.
Double Standards
Posted on 30-07-2016 08:05 | By flyingtoaster
I have seen members of the Police, driving around, using their cellphone. I have seen members of the Police driving round, talking on their radio. Not to mention Taxi drivers.. If you want people to follow the rules, lead by example.
Strange tho....
Posted on 30-07-2016 16:58 | By GreertonBoy
I often see police officers driving and talking on the phone and or manipulating computer whilst driving? Oh, that's right, I forgot, they are somehow trained to be able to do that, same as taxi drivers and trucks/vehicles with 2 way radio.... they are fine, it is just phones that are evil.
Sorry toaster...
Posted on 02-08-2016 23:53 | By GreertonBoy
We must have posted at the same time. Your post wasn't there when I posted mine... so, I am not your echo lol.... I hear you tho brother... as they say, great minds think alike
Using phones while driving
Posted on 08-08-2016 13:30 | By JayJay2010
I agree to the whole texting while driving completely!!! The only downside in my case was getting pulled over for using my phone while driving. Now before i get judged, I put out there that I only used my phone as an mp3 player. As i was told by the police officer, who very kindly let me off with a warning, had it been an ipod he would not have pulled me up. Turns out you cant use your phone at all while driving.
Cell phone Red light Runners
Posted on 05-06-2017 16:06 | By swt3
I ride a motorcycle everyday, in fact I'm an instructor. I've been nearly taken out so many times each week, I lose count. I've had an elderly man cut a corner on wrong side of road. All the drivers are totally ignorant to the road rules, red lights, & most are on cell phones. They think it is their 'right' to do these things. I get the 'finger' from the 'blonde woman' using cell phone to text, while blatantly cutting me off along Hewletts Rd, last Saturday. If I hadn't been the defensive rider that I am, I would have been squashed into the centre concrete wall. Why don't the Police enforce rules, & increase penalties. This is disrespect to other road users. How can I teach a new bike rider, right from wrong when all others are allowed to do what they want.
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