Campaign Aims To Reduce Kaikoura Truck Crashes
New Zealand Police National News Release
1:24pm 30 July 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4182
The spotlight will go on truck crashes in Kaikoura with a month-long campaign aimed at reducing carnage along the coast
road. Trucks feature prominently in crash statistics for the area, and the Police will be working with other agencies
and industry groups during August to promote safer driving.
Police hope a grim display at their Compliance Station in Waipara, North Canterbury, helps truck drivers realise the
dangers of working long hours. A truck wreck will give hard evidence of the damage heavy vehicles can sustain during a
crash, dispelling the myth that trucks are bullet proof — a complacency that each year leads to loss of life through not
wearing seat belts.
Many commercial drivers should see it during the Compliance Station's 'fatigue stop' day, from 7am until 5pm on Thursday
the 21st of August. It's a chance to pull over for a break and some refreshments, and have chat with Police staff from
the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU).
"Drivers are supplied with hot and cold drinks as well as a sausage or a piece of fruit," says Sergeant Michael Moloney.
"It's a great opportunity for the Police to get the fatigue message across in a more relaxed environment, and our staff
are kept very busy answering questions and giving advice on all matters relating to commercial vehicles."
Moloney says last year's fatigue stop was a great success, with about 670 vehicles passing through the Compliance
Station and his staff talking with around 350 drivers, and he hopes this year will be even better.
The wider campaign is organised by the Cluster Group, a collection that includes Police, ACC, LTNZ, RTA (NZ Road
Transport Association), Environment Canterbury, Transit NZ, Tranzqual, and local and district councils. Several
businesses are also contributing through the donation of services and resources.
The message will focus around five safety Ss: sleep; speed; stability; stress; seat belts. Speed trailers with
electronic readouts will remind drivers of their speed approaching some of the coast's worst bends. Drivers will also
see safety messages on billboards along the route, and in posters on ferries, in transport depots, and truck stops and
cafes.
The Cluster Group campaign begins on the 2nd of August with a seminar in Christchurch. Drivers can register for the free
seminar by contacting the NZ Road Transport Association. It will be repeated in Auckland on the 9th of August, for North
Island drivers who drive inter-island services.
Please check ECAN web site for the wider campaign.
ENDS