Tauranga Police are encouraging drivers to remember some key driving tips to reach their homes and holiday destinations safely over summer.

Senior Sergeant in charge of road policing for Western Bay of Plenty Wayne Hunter says inattention is the main cause of the minor crashes around the city.

“You can’t fault the road. The driver in front may have braked suddenly but 99 per cent of the time it is due to inattention, particularly around road works,” says Wayne.

Wayne says even if it’s a minor crash you must stop and check for injuries, and also pass contact details to each other.

Wayne deals with all the Tauranga traffic incident reports, including minor crashes that come across his desk. And there’s a lot of them. He also gets to watch the footage from Tauranga’s CCTV cameras.

“You know you can get frazzled with Tauranga congestions so leave plenty of time to get to where you want to go,” says Wayne.

“If you’re going to be drinking, don’t drive at all. Even one drink is too much.”

Changes with intersections and roundabouts having traffic lights installed can pose an issue for a driver who is not paying attention.

“There are now three sets of lights at the Bayfair roundabout,” says Wayne.

He thinks another new and big example of where drivers will need to pay attention is at the Third Ave and Cameron Road intersection.

“It’s going to be a traffic light-controlled intersection. People are going to be driving through it as if it was still a straight road. They need to not be distracted, pay attention to their driving and be aware of their surroundings.”

He says the Ninth Ave/Cameron Road roundabout will also have traffic lights installed.

“But that’s easy to see, as drivers are already used to it being a roundabout.”

Other tips for safe driving around Tauranga over summer including if the weather is wet.

Remember to put your headlights on as well as your wipers. Slow down as it helps you brake more gently, move away from the vehicle in front to increase your stopping distance, and remember to buckle up.

“Drive distraction free. Put the phone away or pull over.

“Motorists who risk the safety of themselves and others can expect Police will follow through with the appropriate enforcement action so we can make it a safe and enjoyable summer.”