11 September 2013

Snow Bunnies Encouraged to Take a Break

Drivers heading home from Mt Ruapehu this weekend are the focus of a fatigue campaign being run by Waikato District Council.

Statistically, Friday through to Sunday is the time for fatigue related crashes so motorists travelling back from the mountain on Sunday will be invited to stop and have a freshen-up break with free drinks and food available.

Road Safety Co-ordinator Megan Jolly says the stop on State Highway 39 in Te Kowhai is aimed at increasing awareness of driver fatigue and information will be provided on how to avoid it.

“A busy working week and a full on weekend of skiing can result in a general lack of sleep and becomes a recipe for disaster on the road.”

“Driver fatigue is estimated to be a contributing factor in at least 13% of crashes. The best way to avoid that is to catch up on lost sleep before you head off, maybe share the driving, or take a break every two hours of driving.”

Ms Jolly says that over the last five years there has been a huge increase in the recognition of power naps as an appropriate strategy for dealing with fatigue.

“If you find yourself driving tired why not pull over and have a 10 or 20 minute power nap. It can improve your motor skills and boost energy levels.”

Waikato Police and Te Kowhai Primary school will also be part of the campaign which is the last of three fatigue stops held in the district over recent months.

ENDS

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