If safety and wellbeing of your loved ones are not an enough motivation for you to drive safely these summer holidays, then be mindful of the fact that our road toll death for this year is already highest in the last three years.
There had been a consistent surge in road deaths since last three years consecutively alarming the authorities and other stakeholders managing safety on roads.
At December 25, our national road toll was at 311 deaths as against 310 in 2015 and 293 in 2014 with four more days to go in this year.
It is important to note that New Zealand's road tolls have dramatically increased since 2014 after a decade long gradual downturn suggesting some significant change in social and psychological conditions determining driver-behaviour on our roads.
Land Transport Safety Manager Brent Johnston has expressed his concern that the recent surge in the road toll was extremely concerning and prompting research to understand circumstances contributing to fatal accidents on the New Zealand roads.
Summer holidays is a period that brings exceptional pressure on New Zealand Police and others who manage safety on roads for obvious reasons as people hit out on roads to enjoy the summer.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) warns people that they will have to take extra care when travelling in holiday periods because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.
NZTA advises people that by being courteous, remembering to share the road with others and scheduling frequent breaks can help people to keep their cool when driving during these times.
NZTA reminds all drivers on road this summer to follow these tips to ensure that they return home safe and well along with others as well.
Why you need to be alert
What you can do to increase your safety