The number of "incredibly dangerous" motorists speeding and taking unnecessary risks on Otago roads is frustrating Southern police, especially in the wake of several fatal accidents over the past week.
Senior Sergeant Steve Watt said many drivers did not seem to be learning from other drivers’ mistakes.
Police arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday morning after he was spotted driving at "a dangerous speed" on Dunedin’s Southern Motorway.
Officers decided not to pursue the vehicle at the time because of the manner of driving, but caught up with him a short time later in Crawford St, in the city centre, where police signalled for him to stop.
The driver pulled over, then attempted to flee on foot, before being taken into custody about 8.30am.
The 19-year-old will appear in the Dunedin District Court, charged with drink-driving and dangerous driving.
Snr Sgt Watt said it was one of many incidents of poor driving on southern roads over the weekend.
"There has been a lot of traffic on the roads across the South Island this Easter, and police continue to be disappointed by motorists speeding and taking unnecessary risks.
"We’ve had huge volumes of people moving around, especially as they travel through the corridor to Wānaka for events in that area."
He said by noon yesterday, police had issued 15 infringement notices for speeding.
The Easter road toll stood at six late last night.
Three people were killed in a crash between Tekapo and Twizel on Saturday, one was killed in an accident in Waikato, and one each in crashes in Rotorua and Marlborough yesterday.
Earlier last week, one person was killed in a crash involving two trucks and a car near Cromwell.
Snr Sgt Watt said police would continue to be visible across the South Island over the long weekend, and reminded people beginning their journey home to drive safely and stick to the speed limit.
"The speed limit is just that — a limit, not a target.
"Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and motorists are reminded to be considerate of other road users.
"If you’re driving a slow vehicle, take opportunities to pull over and let vehicles behind you pass.
"But similarly, if you are stuck behind a slow vehicle, keep calm, and remain patient — you will get there.
"It only takes a second for things to go horribly wrong, and we need motorists to play their part by making smart decisions, so everyone gets from A to B in one piece," he said.
