The Students Against Dangerous Driving lobby is pleading with drivers to take more care this weekend to avoid [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/439880/govt-urged-to-spend-on-roads-after-easter-weekend-road-toll a repeat of last weekend's horrific road toll.
Drivers should slow down and forget about their cellphones, a spokesperson for SADD says. (file pic) Photo: 123RF
Eight people died on the roads over the deadliest Easter in a decade.
The group's spokesperson, Donna Govorko, said motorists needed to slow down.
She said another risk is drivers being distracted by mobile phones and she called for drivers to switch their phones to do-not-disturb, while they are behind the wheel.
"As young drivers and road users, SADD members recognise that dangers on the road are often underestimated and that it is important all road users are continually made aware they have a part to play to prevent crashes."
Former SADD national leaders who are now university students have also added their support to SADD's request for better road safety awareness.
"What the Easter road toll says is that Kiwis are starting to get complacent. It is more important than ever that young Kiwis get our voices out to the community to prevent more deaths in the future," said former leader James Graham.
The students' appeal has been backed by AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen who urged motorists to follow SADD's six road safety principles:
- Always wear a seat belt
- Take a break when tired
- Choose a 5-star safety rated vehicle
- Overtake safely
- Drive to the conditions
- Build experience and when starting out take some professional driving lessons