Police will be out in force over the long weekend, checking motorists' speeds and targeting impaired and distracted drivers.
Drivers are urged to be cautious over Queens Birthday weekend. Photo: 123rf
Minister of Transport Michael Wood said the government is investing in road safety improvements across the country - installing median barriers, roundabouts at dangerous intersections and re-engineering roads.
But he said drivers need to play their part by making smart decisions while on the road, and is urging New Zealanders to keep safety front of mind when travelling this long weekend.
"Across the millions of kilometres travelled by New Zealanders this long weekend, drivers will make errors, or be on the receiving end of them.
"While bad calls can happen, deaths and serious injuries are not inevitable, and they are not something that we should accept as the price to pay just to use our roads."
On average, one person is killed every day on New Zealand's roads, and another seven are seriously injured.
Four people died on the road over the Easter holiday period, down on last year's toll of nine, but the Anzac Day weekend fatality total rose to 11 dead.
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Wood said we need to stop accepting deaths on our roads as inevitable.
"We're also working to remove unsafe vehicles, and we're ensuring we have speed limits in place that suit each road, but we need drivers to play their part."
Minister of Police Poto Williams said every New Zealander had a role to play in keeping each other safe on the road - whether they were driving, a passenger or riding a bike.
"Our frontline will continue to remain visible, continuously changing deployment locations, and covering all parts of our roading network.
"Drivers should take their time, be courteous and follow the road rules, they're there to keep us all safe."
Williams said road maintenance teams from Waka Kotahi would be out responding to changing conditions as we entered the winter months and drivers need to do the same.
Anyone who witnessed dangerous behaviour on the roads should report it to police.
