7 September 2012

Drivers urged to be patient at traffic signals

Drivers who run red and orange lights during September may find themselves with a $150 fine as a police operation targets some of Lower Hutt’s busiest intersections.

Hutt City’s highest risk signalised intersections (excluding state highways) are Cornwall Street / Kings Crescent, Cornwall Street / Waterloo Road, Cuba Street / Jackson Street, and Whites Line East / Bell Road / Waiwhetu Road.

Hutt City Council’s road safety coordinator Jan Simmons says crashes at intersections represent a huge burden on our communities.

“Last year the social cost of the 130 injury crashes on Hutt City roads was estimated at $22.5 million. This figure takes into account medical, legal and property damage costs, victims being out of work while they recover, and in cases of serious injury, loss of quality of life.

“Intersection crashes make up nearly half of all crashes on our roads and this month’s campaign is about reminding drivers we all need to play our part to ensure safer journeys for everyone using our roads.

“This means being patient, keeping to the road rules, and taking things slowly so there’s time to have a proper look when we’re coming up to an intersection,” she says.

Wellington district road policing manager inspector Peter Baird says ‘traffic light running’ at intersections is one of the city’s major road safety risks.

"The risk of collisions at intersections is particularly high when vehicles are travelling at speed, accelerating into the lights and pedestrians are crossing.

“Crashes at intersections are usually side impact or T-bone crashes which are often serious as occupants have the least protection when struck from the side.

“We urge motorists to take care at intersections not just during September but all year for the safety of everyone on our roads.”

ENDS

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