Statistics recently released by Land Transport New Zealand highlight crashes at intersections as a key concern for the Waipa District.
Cars failing to stop and give way was a factor in approximately 35% of urban crashes, and 14% of rural crashes. Road Safety Coordinator Megan Jolly says that the accidents are most likely caused by speed and/or inattention.
“ For whatever reason, people are not heeding the ‘give way’ or ‘stop’ road rules. It may be they are misjudging what other vehicles are doing, not concentrating, or simply going too fast in an urban area. It is also important that people use their indicators to advise oncoming motorists of their intentions. Even in a 50km zone, significant damage or injury can happen, so people really need to keep an eye on their speed, and give more than a quick glance at oncoming traffic”.
During the last couple of years, there have also been nationwide changes in intersection road markings, most notably a removal of the words “Give Way”, replaced by a painted triangle, says Ms Jolly.
“As well as the removal of the words, the painted lines have changed as well. Double lines at both give way and stop intersections have been reduced to a single, wider, line.”
There are a number of reasons for the changes to the road markings, including reducing the amount of paint in critical brake areas, being simpler to install and bringing markings closer to overseas practice.
The actual give way and stop signs at intersections will remain the same.
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