Easter may be over, but the New Zealand Police is reminding the public to remain vigilant on our roads.

Traffic volumes increase during school holiday periods, which increases the risk of serious crashes.

Three people were killed on New Zealand roads over Easter Weekend. While that could be viewed as an improvement compared to Easter last year, Acting National Manager: Road Policing, Inspector Peter McKennie says any number is too many.

'After this weekend there are three families whose loved ones won't be coming home, and many more people were seriously injuired,” he says.

'All of these deaths and most of the serious injuries happened on roads with a 100 kilometre per hour speed limit and no safety barriers.

'We're asking people to be extra vigilant on those types of roads and to drive at a speed, and in a manner, that gives them the best opportunity to react safely to the unexpected.”

Drivers are urged to follow to road safety basics – make sure everyone's wearing seatbelts, don't drive while impaired or fatigued, don't allow yourself to get distracted and drive at a speed within the limit that is safe for the conditions.

'There is never a time for complacency on the roads,” says Peter.

'We want everyone to get home safe these school holidays, and on every day of the year.”