Drivers urged to rest
3 September 2014
Waipa drivers are being urged to rest and rejuvenate in an effort to reduce crash statistics in the district.
In the last five years, driver fatigue has played a role in 54 fatalities and 141 serious injuries in the Waikato region alone. Fatigue has been a factor in 19 per cent of Waipa crashes.
This year, students from Te Awamutu College have joined with Waipa District Council road safety staff, police and staff from Transfield Services to promote the message at council-led fatigue stops.
The students are part of SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) at the school.
Waipa District Council's road safety co-ordinator Megan Jolly said having the SADD students volunteer indicated that young people in Waipa were well aware of the dangers of driving while fatigued. The stops also went down well with drivers who were offered free refreshments and information.
Surveys were carried out at the stops to collect information from drivers as well as share key messages.
Drivers were reminded to catch up on lost sleep before getting behind the wheel, as well as stopping for power naps. That was particularly important for those heading to and from ski-fields who were already likely to be tired, Ms Jolly said.
At a recent event at Ngahinepouri, more than 200 vehicles stopped. One tourist stopped after driving for six hours without a break. The recommendation is to rest for at least 10 minutes every two hours.
"It's pretty simple - just don't drive tired. If you do, you're putting yourself and others at risk."
Further stops in the ski season are planned for Pirongia and Whatawhata.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Megan Jolly, ph: 021 298 9920