Police are doubling down on safety messages this week as our road toll continues to rise

Road Safety Week launches around the country today ... highlighting seatbelt use and the dangers of using a phone behind the wheel.

New Zealand's road toll shot up to 136 at the weekend ... and is on track to surpass last year's total of 380 deaths.

Canterbury Road Policing Manager Al Stewart says people need to understand no text or phone call is that important to take while driving.

He says you are six or seven times more likely to have a crash if you're talking on your phone, and 20 times more likely to crash if you're texting.