28 November 2013

Road safety messages at Reporoa community day

Over a thousand people turned up to last year’s Tractor Pull and Community Day in Reporoa, and next weekend’s event promises to be even bigger.

The fun event is on Sunday 8 December from 9am to 4pm at the Reporoa Domain, and will include tractor skills challenges, teens’ lawn mower races, pony rides, Santa and lolly drop, magic Santa sleigh, bouncy castle, calf sales, food stalls, and competitions. Entry to the event is by gold coin.

‘Safety Street’ - a collaboration of Rotorua District Council (RDC), Treasure Rotorua, Rotorua Police, St John, and BayTrust Rescue Helicopter – will also be at the event running road safety activities, including the opportunity for over 16 year olds to wear ‘fatal vision goggles’ which simulate the effects of excess alcohol.

RDC road safety coordinator, Jodie Lawson, said people put on the goggles before completing a series of fine motor skill activities to help them recognise their own levels of impairment and how it impacts on their ability to do basic tasks.

“This clearly shows that drinking and driving are two activities that are not meant to be mixed. We also want to reinforce the message that for drivers under 20 their legal alcohol limit is zero.”

Rotorua District Youth Council and Rotary are also assisting Mrs Lawson to promote the Driver Directions course at the event, which provides young drivers with valuable driving skills and practice on a safe off-road environment.

The Reporoa Tractor Pull and Community Day will take place rain or shine. Eftpos will not be available.

ENDS

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