Police to keep eagle eye on the roads over Easter

ODDS are someone will die on the roads this Easter weekend - but Northland police will be out in force trying to prevent carnage on the region's roads.
Motorists are being urged to take extra care tomorrow as research shows accidents peak on the Thursday immediately before the long weekend.
Operation Easter will run from 4pm tomorrow until Tuesday at 6am.
Police will focus on alcohol, speed, seatbelts and child restraints, dangerous overtaking and failing to keep left.
Northland road policing manager Inspector Clifford Paxton said last Easter the region's roads were fatality-free and he was hoping a repeat of that this weekend.
The road toll stands at four so far this year, with alcohol and speed common factors.
Police were also concerned at the number of drivers failing to keep left, with a campaign running since November nabbing 175 drivers on the wrong side of the road.
Land Transport New Zealand statistics show that from 2002-06, nearly all accidents resulting in injury in Northland happened on bends, including 82 fatals, 361 serious injuries and 1295 minor injuries.
"Staff will be highly visible and active this Easter and if people commit offences on the roads then they can expect action to be taken," Mr Paxton said.
Research by State Insurance of accident data over the past three years shows a marked increase in claims resulting from crashes on Easter Thursday.
In the past the road safety focus has been on travel between Good Friday and Easter Monday, but the study shows motorists need to be particularly vigilant tomorrow.
The increase was put down to extra pressure to tie up loose ends before travelling, leaving drivers distracted and fatigued.
In a bid to help tired drivers a fatigue stop will be operating on Monday from 9am to 6.30pm at Uretiti weigh station near Ruakaka.
REDUCE ACCIDENTS:
• Make sure you are well rested before starting your trip.
• Drive only when you would usually be awake. Avoid driving between 1am and dawn.
• Stop for a least 15 minutes every two hours.
• Always wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers, including children, wear a seat belt or child restraint.
• Don't drink then drive.