Police are urging motorists to make better choices behind the wheel after a deadly weekend on New Zealand roads.
Seven people died, with more seriously injured, after a spate of crashes over the weekend.
Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said the death toll was disheartening.
“There is no excuse for any driver to be endangering their lives and the lives of others with unsafe behaviours,” Greally said.
“This number is absolutely devastating, and we are thinking of their families as they go through this difficult time.”
Greally urged people to make better choices when driving.
“Wear a seatbelt, put the phone down, and do not drive if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
“Signposted speed limits are there for a reason, and we expect every road user to follow them.
“These things might be the difference between you getting home safely or not.”
According to the Ministry of Transport, 168 people have died on New Zealand roads so far this year as of June 22, the highest since 2022.
Fatal crashes over the weekend
- June 19: Harris St, Gisborne.
- June 19: SH1, Wellington.
- June 19: Wharekopae Rd, Gisborne.
- June 20: Mulberry Grove Rd, Great Barrier Island.
- June 20: Kerikeri Inlet Rd, Kerikeri.
- June 21: Antigua St, Christchurch
- June 21: SH1, Hunterville.