Holiday driving improved

POLICE were pleased with motorists on southern roads throughout the long weekend.

Southern police responded to 25 crashes and 42 reported traffic incidents during the long weekend.

No deaths occurred on Southern roads and police were pleased with motorists’ behaviour.

‘‘Traffic did get busy on Friday and Monday, in the afternoon to early evenings, as people travelled across the area heading to their holiday destinations but most motorists drove responsibly,’’ Otago coastal road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Larking said.

‘‘We ask that drivers always remember they are an important part of the road safety picture. We need motorists to ensure they regularly check their speed and always drive to the conditions.’’

It was an improvement on last year’s Queen’s Birthday holiday road toll period, when Southern police handed out 521 infringement notices and described the driving as disappointing.

Three people died on New Zealand’s roads over the long weekend, well down on the 11 who died during the holiday road toll period last year and far fewer than the 24 who died in 1973.

Dunedin woman Rosie Ann Crozier (21) died after two cars collided near Waimate on Monday night.

She was travelling with her partner, who was flown to Dunedin Hospital with serious injuries.

He was now progressing favourably, a Dunedin Hospital spokeswoman said.

A police spokeswoman said the crash investigation was ongoing.