Police are hoping to cut the Queen's Birthday holiday road toll by revealing the country's most dangerous roads, which includes those in the Bay of Plenty.

Nationally, the average number of injury crashes on open roads is higher in the Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Counties Manukau during the holiday period, say police.

Since 2000, 88 per cent of fatal crashes on Queen's Birthday weekend have occurred on open or rural roads. All but one death in the last five years through this holiday weekend happened on rural roads.

In light of this, motorists are reminded to take extra care, particularly as the recent cold snap has affected driving conditions.

National crash risk data compiled by police indicates crashes caused by alcohol and speed – including driving too fast for the conditions – and other bad driving behaviour, such as poor judgement, observation, handling and failing to give way increase over Queen's Birthday weekend.

'Easter 2012 was the last time there was a fatality free holiday weekend on our roads, and we would love to think we could have another one that does not end in tragedy for someone,” says road policing assistant commissioner Dave Cliff.

'Given that Queen's Birthday weekend is the only holiday weekend during winter, the risks of having a crash to due to poor weather conditions like those the country is currently experiencing are significantly higher, which means it is vital that motorists adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.”

During Queen's Birthday last year there were four fatal crashes resulting in seven deaths, and 17 crashes involving serious injuries, across the country. A further 59 crashes caused minor injuries.

Dave says police will be focusing on alcohol, restraints and speed this weekend, with a variety of tactics in place – including routine breath testing and a lowered 4km/h speed tolerance.

'The lowered speed tolerance was introduced at Queen's Birthday weekend three years ago, and has been in place for all holiday weekends since.

'In that time, it has had a positive effect on driver behaviour, with a decrease in crashes since its introduction. That translates to fewer people killed, maimed or injured.

'The message to all motorists this holiday weekend is really very simple – drive to the conditions, pay attention, don't drink and drive and make sure you are wearing your seat belt.”

The Queen's Birthday weekend period officially started at 4pm today and ends 6am on Tuesday.

The NZ Transport Agency is asking drivers in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions to plan their trips and focus on their driving skills as the winter season gets underway.

The agency says drivers can expect higher traffic volumes in both regions as holidaymakers make the most of the last public holiday until Labour Weekend in October.

'Driving conditions can be much more challenging during winter and some weather events can be unpredictable and conditions can change very quickly,” says acting state highways manager for Waikato Michelle Te Wharau.

'Crashes can often happen during poor weather conditions, so allow greater following distances on frosty, foggy or wet days. Also keeping your headlights on at all times ensures you are visible to other road users.”

Michelle says when there are lots of vehicles on the road the risk of someone making a mistake and causing harm to themselves another rises.

'Driving at safe speeds means not only driving within the legal speed limits, but also at a speed that is suitable for road conditions and the environment you are travelling in.”

She says it is crucial for drivers to stay alert by taking regular breaks and if possible by sharing the driving.

Regular maintenance of vehicles is also a key factor contributing to safety on the road, she says.

'Check your tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers, lights and steering - and ensure your vehicle has a current Warrant of Fitness. Also avoid towing in icy conditions and where possible, avoid driving at night as the risks are greater.”