6 Aug 2010

Weekend roads tolls too high, say police

7:15 pm on 6 August 2010

Police say too many people are dying on the roads at weekends.

Some 102 people have died on Saturdays and Sundays so far this year - an average of 3.3 people a weekend.

The number of deaths represents 43% of the road toll (235 people) for the year to date.

National road policing manager Paula Rose says one age group in particular is over represented.

"A lot of our young people are dying on the roads at weekends, and alcohol and speed seem to be continual factors. We want drivers, passengers and road users to make good choices."

Ms Rose says the risks associated with driving drunk, or drugged, are very real and until people choose to stop doing it, serious crashes and fatalities will continue to occur.