MEDIA RELEASE
Horizons Regional Council

Monday 14 January, 2013

Safe driving this long weekend

Horizons Regional Council is encouraging holiday-makers travelling by car this Queen’s Birthday Weekend to drive to the conditions and be mindful of fatigue.

Horizons road safety coordinator for Palmerston North Alane Nilsen says while it’s important to check things like tyre pressure and mechanics before heading off, human factors are often the main cause of serious crashes.

“The weather is getting colder and a few showers are forecast for the weekend which could mean slippery roads,” Mrs Nilsen says.

“If you’re travelling on narrow winding roads or the conditions change, slow down and take particular care. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.”

Mrs Nilsen says distractions can also pose an issue for motorists. Ministry of Transport statistics identified diverted attention as a contributing factor in 1,377 crashes in 2009, with distractions ranging from using cell phones to changing the radio station, talking to passengers and looking at scenery.

“Your brain takes 2.5 seconds to switch from one task to another. If you’re travelling at 100km/hr you’ll have travelled 60 metres before you even begin to react to a hazard on the road,” she says.

“If you’re using your cell phone, consuming food or drink or changing the radio while driving, it can quickly become a lethal combination.”

Mrs Nilsen recommends drivers take simple steps to ensure a safer journey such as setting the radio station before leaving home, switching their phone off until they reach their destination or pulling over in a safe area to txt or return calls and stopping to enjoy their snack or drink.

She also recommends getting a good night’s sleep before heading off, sharing the driving where possible and stopping to take a break every two hours to help avoid fatigue.

Common signs of fatigue include yawning, sore heavy eyes, changes in driving speed, missing road signs or time lapses, and drifting over the centre line or road edge.

“If people recognise that they are experiencing any of these signs they need to pull over where it is safe to do so and have a 20min power nap, a stretch and get some fresh air,” Mrs Nilsen says.

Ends

© Scoop Media