State and ACC join forces

4 April 2007

Media Release

State and ACC join forces to help reduce fatal accidents

Driver fatigue is still a major cause of road crashes in New Zealand. Fatigue related crashes increased by nearly 40 percent between 2000 and 2005. In 2005, analysis by the Ministry of Transport found 651 crashes were caused by driver fatigue resulting in 50 fatalities.

To help reduce the number of fatigue related accidents, State Insurance and ACC are working together to ensure drivers and their passengers are given the opportunity to take a break during their travels.

On Easter Monday, State Driver Reviver rest stops will be operating in Ruakaka, Bulls and the Lewis Pass. Free bistro coffee, muffins and entertainment for the children will ensure a comfortable and relaxing break as people return home from their Easter holiday.

Barbara Cantillon, Fatigue Programme Manager at ACC praises the initiative shown by State. “Too many people are being injured and killed on our roads. It’s heartening to see State committing significant resources in an effort to reduce driver fatigue.”

Visitors to the Driver Reviver stops will be able to learn how to combat driver fatigue through information provided by ACC.

State Driver Reviver rest stops will open on Easter Monday at 10.00am in Bulls and Ruakaka and 9.00am in Lewis Pass.

About State

State has been providing New Zealanders with an extensive range of personal and business insurance services for more than 100 years. State manages 1.1 million policies on behalf of more than 460,000 New Zealanders. State is a business division of IAG New Zealand Limited, New Zealand’s largest general insurer.

ENDS

© Scoop Media