New Zealanders taking a long weekend for Waitangi Day are being urged to make road safety a priority.
The call comes as extreme weather batters various parts of the country.
"There's obviously some different weather around the country, from the really hot sunny weather through to floods," says Caroline Perry, spokesperson for Brake, a charity focusing on making our roads safer. "So ensure that if you are out on the roads you are noting what that weather might be and how that might affect the driving conditions."
Flooding in Southland has closed multiple roads, with motorists warned to expect delays.
A fire in the Hawke's Bay also closed a part of State Highway 50 earlier this week. That has now been reopened.
Perry says as well as tough road conditions, motorists need to make sure they don't get carried away drinking in the sunshine if they are planning on driving.
"Driving requires 100 percent of your concentration and alcohol is proven to affect your reaction time, your judgement and your coordination - even a small amount of alcohol.
"If you are getting behind the wheel the only safe amount of alcohol to have is none."
Six people died in traffic accidents during the official holiday period from December 24, 2019, to January 3. 2020.
