Central road users are urged not to jeopardise their own safety or other road users as people head away for the long weekend.

Right across New Zealand, police will continue to focus on known factors that contribute to crashes.

These factors include restraints and impairment such as alcohol, drugs and fatigue, along with distractions, including cell phone, food, taking your eyes off the road, and speed.

Director of road policing superintendent Steve Greally said police don’t want families and communities having to face the tragic consequences of a bad decision on the road.

“Our staff are intent on keeping everyone on the road safe regardless of if it is a public holiday or any other day of the year.

“We don’t accept people dying on our roads and will continue to do our part to prevent that so we’re asking drivers to do the same.

Superintendent Greally said drivers who are caught risking their safety and others can expect to be issued with an infringement notice or other form of enforcement.

“Drivers should expect the appropriate enforcement action if you are thought to be endangering the safety of yourself, possible occupants, or other road users.

“Travellers should anticipate our officers to be patrolling roads at anytime and anywhere to ensure that everyone can arrive at their destination safely."

The long holiday weekend coincides with the official start of winter.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi has some important winter driving tips to remember including to adjust your speed to suit the conditions, if it is icy or snowy, drive slower than you normally would to reduce the risk of losing control or skidding.

Drivers should use their headlights in rainy, icy, snowy and dark conditions, and they may need to manually turn headlights on as the automatic function often doesn't activate during daytime, even when visibility is low.

During poor weather such as rain, hail, snow and fog it takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so following distances need to increase.

To help travellers plan their trips, NZTA’s journey planner provides travel information and updates on any delays, roadworks or closures.

Residents can also check The Central App’s road and weather reports before travelling. 

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Cal 105 to report things that don't need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life threatening.