The spotlight will go on truck crashes in Kaikoura with a month-long campaign aimed at reducing carnage along the coast road. Trucks feature prominently in crash statistics for the area, and the Police will be working with other agencies and industry groups during August to promote safer driving.
Police hope a grim display at their Compliance Station in Waipara, North Canterbury, helps truck drivers realise the dangers of working long hours. A truck wreck will give hard evidence of the damage heavy vehicles can sustain during a crash, dispelling the myth that trucks are bullet proof — a complacency that each year leads to loss of life through not wearing seat belts.
Many commercial drivers should see it during the Compliance Station's 'fatigue stop' day, from 7am until 5pm on Thursday the 21st of August. It's a chance to pull over for a break and some refreshments, and have chat with Police staff from the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU).
"Drivers are supplied with hot and cold drinks as well as a sausage or a piece of fruit," says Sergeant Michael Moloney.
"It's a great opportunity for the Police to get the fatigue message across in a more relaxed environment, and our staff are kept very busy answering questions and giving advice on all matters relating to commercial vehicles."
Moloney says last year's fatigue stop was a great success, with about 670 vehicles passing through the Compliance Station and his staff talking with around 350 drivers, and he hopes this year will be even better.
The wider campaign is organised by the Cluster Group, a collection that includes Police, ACC, LTNZ, RTA (NZ Road Transport Association), Environment Canterbury, Transit NZ, Tranzqual, and local and district councils. Several businesses are also contributing through the donation of services and resources.
The message will focus around five safety Ss: sleep; speed; stability; stress; seat belts. Speed trailers with electronic readouts will remind drivers of their speed approaching some of the coast's worst bends. Drivers will also see safety messages on billboards along the route, and in posters on ferries, in transport depots, and truck stops and cafes.
The Cluster Group campaign begins on the 2nd of August with a seminar in Christchurch. Drivers can register for the free seminar by contacting the NZ Road Transport Association. It will be repeated in Auckland on the 9th of August, for North Island drivers who drive inter-island services.
Media: welcome at Glasnevin, North Canterbury 21 August 2008.
Please check ECAN web site for the wider campaign.
For further information as to Police campaign
please contact Senior Sergeant Warren Newbury 03 313 9715