The official road toll for the Christmas holiday period has started, as a horror year on the roads comes to an end.
The road toll was already at 369 on Friday, compared to 327 for the entirety of 2016.
Nineteen people died over the Christmas holiday period last year, which runs from 4pm on 22 December until 6am on 3 January.
Police are warning New Zealanders they'll be focussed on speed, alcohol, drugs and tiredness.
They'll also be paying close attention to the use of cellphones and seatbelts.
Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter and Police Minister Stuart Nash are urging people to travel safely over the summer holidays.
"Too many families are going into Christmas this year without their loved ones because of crashes that could have been avoided," Ms Genter said.
Mr Nash said people should challenge behaviour that may lead to unsafe driving on the roads.
"The people we have lost this year are more than a statistic. They are parents, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues. Each one has left people behind who are grieving for their loss," he said.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says highways will be busy throughout the middle of the day all the way from December 23rd until January 4th.
NZTA has produced interactive "hotspot" maps showing the busiest routes and times over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Newshub.
