Fatigue-related crashes double during the holiday season and police are asking drivers to make sure they are rested after the hustle and bustle of Christmas before driving.
"Unfortunately, police do attend a lot of fatigue-related crashes at this time of the year, some of which result in serious injuries," said acting southern district road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Larking, of Dunedin.
"These crashes do not need to happen. With all of the rushing around at this time of the year, being properly rested prior to making a trip is very important."
Drivers who were yawning or having trouble concentrating should pull over and have a rest.
When travelling, a front passenger could help avoid risks by assisting in making decisions about when and where to stop for a rest, Snr Sgt Larking said.
Drivers who are feeling tired can stop for a 20-minute nap or share the driving.
Simple ways to avoid fatigue and improve alertness for holiday driving include driving at times you are usually awake, not rushing, and planning breaks every couple of hours in which you get out of the car and take a short walk or do some other exercise to get your blood flowing.
In the 12-day Christmas period last year, three people died in crashes, six people were seriously injured and a further 28 people were injured in crashes, south of the Waitaki River.
