NZ Police are urging drivers to be cautious this long weekend especially following a devastating Anzac weekend.

"We know there will be more drivers and riders on the road again this long weekend, and we really want people to drive safely so we don’t see 12 lives lost on the road again this weekend,” National Road Policing Centre director Superintendent Steve Greally said.

“The last long weekend was terrible. Twelve families who lost their loved ones. And others will be suffering life altering injuries as the result of a crash.

“We don’t want any more people in our communities to face the consequences of a bad decision on the road.

“So that means slowing down, taking your time, it’s not a race,” Steve said.

He reminded drivers to have something to eat and drink, and make sure to be well rested. 

“When you get in your car buckle up and put your phone away.

"While you’re on the road take regular breaks so you stay fresh and alert, and never ever drive drunk.”

The Automobile Association (AA) website lists these tips to keep in mind: 

• Avoid driving a long distance in one go
• Take regular breaks to stretch your legs with short walks
• Avoid driving when you would normally be sleeping or likely to be drowsy, such as straight after a substantial meal or if you take medication which causes drowsiness
• Share the driving load with others
• Get a passenger to be your co-driver. They should manage directions, music, answering phone calls and texts, and other in-car distractions
• The passenger should also encourage breaks and meal stops.

The NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) echoed the NZ Police’s call for careful planning before people go into the outdoors this long weekend.

MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said small gaps in planning, when combined, can have a big impact on your safety and it’s often the little details that make a big difference. 

“It’s really easy to underestimate the importance of quality planning and preparation, even for short local walks. There are lots of little things that can be easily overlooked, and if you’re new to tramping, how do you know where to start and how to effectively make a trip plan.”

MSC figures show this long weekend typically sees triple the amount of injuries, searches and rescues for trampers, making it the public weekend with the highest incident rate.  

A successful tramp means returning home safely as a team, even if it means turning back if the weather doesn’t go to plan. MSC said be sure to keep your group together, look out for each other, hydrate and eat regularly and make decisions collectively.  

Remember you can check road and weather reports on The Central App before you begin your journey. The MSC website also has free resources and videos to help with planning outdoor adventures. 

Do you have an epic tale of adventure from the long weekend? Let our reporters know. Email: [email protected]