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Stay Fresh and Phones-Free This King’s Birthday Weekend

As King’s Birthday weekend approaches, the Wairarapa Road Safety Council is urging drivers across the Wellington Region to prioritise safety by driving fresh and staying phones-free.

Road safety data from 2019 to 2024 shows a worrying pattern. Over the past five King’s/Queen’s Birthday weekends, the Wellington Region recorded 74 crashes, with 15 of those occurring in the Wairarapa. Fatigue and driver distraction — especially mobile phone use — were identified as contributing factors in a significant number of these incidents. Many of these were preventable.

“Long weekends should be about reconnecting with wh?nau and making memories — not mourning avoidable loss,” says Holly Hullena, Projects Coordinator for the Wairarapa Road Safety Council. “Every time someone picks up their phone while driving or pushes through fatigue, they’re making a choice that puts lives at risk. We’re asking everyone to make better choices this weekend — drive fresh, keep your hands on the wheel, and your eyes on the road.”

WRSC is reminding drivers to:
- Get plenty of rest before hitting the road
- Take regular breaks on long journeys
- Keep mobile phones out of reach or on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode
- Share driving responsibilities where possible
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before driving

“We all want to get to our destination safely and return home to the people who love us,” adds Hullena. “Let’s make this King’s Birthday weekend one to remember for the right reasons.”

For more information and tips on safe driving, visit www.wairsc.org.nz or follow the Wairarapa Road Safety Council on social media.

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Wairarapa Road Safety Council