A car crash in the Kawarau Gorge last Thursday was a timely reminder for motorists to drive to the winter conditions.

Cromwell Police attended the crash, which closed both lanes for a short time. The driver who had travelled from Queenstown lost control in the wet conditions, and their car spun 720 degrees, smashing into a vehicle travelling towards Queenstown.

The offending driver was issued a summons to appear in court for careless driving causing injury. The victim suffered a cut to his cheek. Both cars were extensively damaged. 

"While both victims’ were able to walk away from this crash, it could have easily been a different outcome. This is a serious reminder to all drivers that we must ensure we are driving to the conditions. Winter is here and the roads are going to get more challenging at times. The speed limit is only a guide and not a target," Sergeant Adam Elder said.

Over the long weekend police were out on the roads ensuring the safety of road users.

Although most motorists were well behaved several infringements were issued for speed and other offences.

A number of motorists were stopped travelling at high speeds in the Maniototo, including a motorcyclist who was stopped travelling at 146kmh, his licence was suspended, and he was issued a summons for dangerous speed.

Police in the Otago Lakes Area have been conducting frequent breath testing operations for impairment and while most motorists were well behaved, police were still continuing to catch people driving whilst impaired, and several drivers have either been processed for drink driving in the past week and summonsed to court, or issued with infringement notices for driving under the influence.

"We are all too familiar with the devastating results drink driving can cause. While most drivers are doing the right thing, we are still disappointed that we’re continuing to see people putting themselves and other road users at risk," he said

"Our aim is to prevent tragic incidents on our roads, and we make no apology for targeting dangerous driving behaviour. Anyone heading out on the road should be prepared to be stopped and breath tested anytime, anywhere.

"Please, plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking, and make sure you have arranged a safe way to get home afterward – whether that is organising a sober driver, getting picked up, or catching a taxi or ride share.

"Police and our partners are doing everything we can to ensure that people are safe on our roads but ultimately it comes down to drivers making good decisions behind the wheel."