Police have issued a sombre warning after nine people were killed on New Zealand's roads in three separate crashes.
Monday was the worst single day death toll on our roads in over a decade.
On Tuesday, Assistant Police Commissioner Sandra Venables spoke to The AM Show about what drivers need to be doing better.
- Second-deadliest day on New Zealand roads since 2000
- 671 Auckland drivers caught using mobile phones - survey
"It's not just [the police] that have an impact on this, this is every road user," she said. "People in communities all over New Zealand can have an impact on reducing death and serious injury on our roads."
She says police are working hard to minimize the danger on our roads, focusing on seatbelt use, speed, impaired drivers and distracted drivers.
One of these distractions is cellphones. Despite the $80 fine for using a mobile while driving, Venables is aware people are ignoring the law.
But she has a stark warning for any motorist who thinks using their phone while driving is safe.
"They need to stop. They need to put them down and focus on their journey and get to their destination safely," she told AM Show host Duncan Garner.
"Their life depends on it."
According to Venables, driving distracted is one of the greatest dangers our roads at the moment, and police are working hard to ensure motorists are using caution.
"Remain focused, wear your restraints, don't drive distracted or impaired, particularly fatigued. It's a big consideration that drivers should take into account before they get behind the wheel."
After Monday's horrific road toll, Venables extended her sympathy to those affected by the deaths.
"The tragedy lies with the families of the victims," she told Garner.
"It was a tragic day yesterday, and any death is one death too many."
Newshub.
