Hon Harry Duynhoven
Minister for Transport Safety

24 October 2008 Media Statement

Safe driving this Labour Weekend

Motorists heading away for Labour Weekend have been urged to take extra care on the roads, Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said today.

“Many people will be travelling on the roads, especially at the beginning and end of the weekend, so people need to drive to the conditions and be particularly aware of the dangers of driver distraction and driver fatigue,” Mr Duynhoven said.

“If you are driving long distances take regular breaks to make sure you are not risking falling asleep at the wheel by being too tired. Ongoing driver fatigue television and radio advertising highlight this risk, so look out for ‘Driver Reviver’ stops and take advantage of these.

“Drivers need to be vigilant to the dangers of driver distraction – this can be anything from eating or drinking in the car, tuning the radio or being distracted by scenery - and turn the cellphone off.”

Mr Duynhoven also encouraged all motorists travelling on the open road to drive with their lights on.

“This will ensure your vehicle is easily seen on the road and is proven to reduce head on crashes,” he said.

“It also goes without saying that if you are going to drink – don’t drive.”

Last year, four people died over Labour Weekend on New Zealand roads and 145 were injured.

“I want to see a weekend with no road deaths – let’s make it one to remember for the right reasons.”

The holiday period runs from 4.00pm on Friday October 24 to 6.00am on Tuesday October 28.

ENDS

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