Reviver rest stops to help Easter weekend drivers stay sharp

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15 April, 2011 For immediate release

State Driver Reviver rest stops to help Easter weekend drivers stay sharp

State Insurance staff will be handing out free food and drink to encourage drivers to beat fatigue by taking a break at State Driver Reviver rest stops on some of the country’s main highways this Easter.

Travellers will be able to pull into State Driver Reviver rest stops at key spots and times over the long weekend to enjoy free barista coffee, sizzling sausages, apples, water and activities for kids.

Ministry of Transport provisional figures for 2010 show that 51 people died in crashes where fatigue was identified as a factor, while 179 suffered serious injuries and 698 suffered minor injuries. The total social cost of crashes involving fatigue in 2010 was an estimated $345 million. “Our staff have been working around the clock since the earthquake yet they still want to give up their time to help drivers stay safe on the road this Easter. We’ve been running this community service for seven years, after a member of our Christchurch team came up with the idea. The first event was held in Lewis Pass so it’s become a bit of an institution and the team were determined that this Easter would be no different.

Fatigue is one of the dangers that drivers can manage, but tragically, it is often overlooked. Our staff run State Driver Reviver rest stops every Easter and Labour weekend, to help passing drivers stay alert, and to draw everyone’s attention to the risks,” says Mary Jane Daly, Executive General Manager of State.

“We’re urging all drivers to plan ahead to avoid fatigue, watch for any signs of it, and pull over to rest when they need to.”

Tips to help you avoid driver fatigue:

• Get a good night's sleep before driving, preferably eight hours. • Avoid driving during the hours when you would normally be sleeping or napping. • Make sure you are fully awake before driving following a period of sleep. • Share the driving when possible. • Don't drink even small amounts of alcohol. It will make fatigue much worse. • When taking long trips, plan your journey to include rest breaks. • Ensure you get plenty of fresh air. • Snack on light, fresh foods. Rich, heavy meals and sugar can make you tired. • If possible, avoid driving for several days following long-distance air travel.

• Take a friend with you on your trip who will help you stay awake.

You may be suffering from driver fatigue if you: • have trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or holding your head up 2

• are daydreaming, having wandering or disconnected thoughts, or loss of memory • are yawning or rubbing your eyes repeatedly

• are drifting from your lane, tailgating and missing signs or exits

• are feeling restless and irritable

• have recently travelled long-distance by air.

Go to www.state.co.nz/DriverReviver for details of the five State Driver Reviver rest stops, with scheduled times subject to light and weather conditions: Driver Reviver Rest Stops – Easter Weekend Ruakaka (Uretiti Weigh Station) State Highway 1, 30km south of Whangarei Monday 25 April, 10am - 6pm Putaruru (VTNZ Testing Station) State Highway 1, 2km south of Putaruru Thursday 21 April, 1pm - 6pm Friday 22 April, 9am -1pm Ohakea (Weigh Station) State Highway 1, 2km south of Bulls Monday 25 April, 10am - 6pm Lewis Pass (Engineers Camp) State Highway 7 Friday 22 April, 10am - 6pm Ealing (Rest Area) State Highway 1, 110km south of Christchurch Monday 25 April, 10am - 6pm ENDS

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