Drivers reminded to 'drive to the conditions'

A new road safety campaign rolled out last month reminds drivers to 'drive to the conditions'...



THE nation-wide campaign reminds drivers that the posted speed limit might not always be appropriate for the conditions.

Over the next 12 months billboards will be erected beside stretches of road which have been identified as particularly hazardous in certain conditions and the posted speed limit may not be the most appropriate.

"We have been long aware of the difficulties and dangers associated with using the posted speed limit as the sole criteria for managing speed, but nowhere is that more obvious than within police," says Assistant Commissioner Peter Marshall.

"We see examples of poor decisions based on the posted speed limit every day, and we manage the outcomes, sometimes tragic ones.

"This campaign works towards encouraging drivers to take personal responsibility for ensuring that they are driving at a speed that matches the situation. The standard limits cannot take into account the huge range of pressures that can apply to determine what is, or is not, a safe speed," says Peter.

Regular radio ads and reports on special road conditions or dangers will also be used to remind drivers to drive to the conditions.

The campaign is funded by ACC and was developed jointly by ACC, NZ Police, Transit New Zealand, Ministry of Transport, and Land Transport New Zealand.