It’s hard to believe that Christmas is nearly upon us which means a
lot of us will be out and about over the next month attending events
residents travelling away to holiday destinations. It’s a good time to
remind ourselves that we need to prepare ourselves and our vehicles
to ensure we get there safely.
Most of us are nearly in the holiday mode, which often includes
enjoying BBQs, dinners and parties where alcohol is consumed. Please
ensure there is a sober driver or a plan to get home safely whether it
be by taxi, Uber or public transport. We have been conducting CBT
checkpoints in and around our Police District and I can assure you
other Police districts are doing the same. The best decision on a night
out, or after consuming alcohol is to have a sober driver.
Always ensure you drive to the conditions, and with lengthy delays
sometimes over the holiday period, particularly to favourite spots,
such as the Coromandel or Northland; patience behind the wheel is
required.
Part of getting to your destination safely is ensuring that your vehicle
is up to WOF standard, paying particular attention to tyres and brakes.
Plan your drive time, ensuring the driver takes plenty of breaks, so they
can remain focussed during lengthy driving periods.
Vehicles towing is another issue when families are travelling to
holiday destinations. Be considerate if you are driving a slower vehicle
or towing, and when possible pull over to the left to allow other road
users pass to travel at normal road speed. Impatience is often the
cause of many crashes, where chances are taken by motorists to get
past slower vehicles. Please ensure trailers, caravans, motor-homes
and the like are up to WOF standard, and ensure you drive to the
conditions and consider the driving requirements of these vehicles
when in operation.
If you’re planning on going away on holiday please ensure your
property is locked securely when away from the address, and don’t
forget your sheds, garages and out buildings. If you are away on
holiday, please advise your neighbours and have someone check on
your property regularly. Make every effort to make it look as if people
are still living at the address daily, giving consideration to installing
timers on lights, having a friend move vehicles around, hang washing
on the line and clear your post. Please don’t make it easy for burglars,
as steps can be taken to prevent your property being targeted.
Finally, on behalf of Counties Manukau Police I would like to wish
you a safe and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.