Take a break on State this Labour weekend

Page 1of 2 20 October 2011 For immediate release

Take a break on State this Labour weekend

A long weekend, rugby, celebrations for some… commiserations for others… either way State is warning drivers to take care while driving and to be aware of signs of driver fatigue which can contribute to some of the carnage that takes place on our roads.

State is taking action to raise awareness of driver fatigue, and to combat its symptoms, by once again hosting State Driver Reviver rest stops at key locations around the country.

At any one of State’s Driver Reviver rest stops, travellers will be able to enjoy free barista coffee, a sausage sizzle, fruit and water. There’s room for drivers to stretch their legs and activities for the kids. Importantly – there are also toilets! State’s executive general manager Mary-Jane Daly says that long weekends away with family and friends are a Kiwi institution.

“We’re urging travellers to stay safe on the roads by taking plenty of breaks and avoiding driver fatigue.

“Our roads are always busy on long weekends and this coming Labour weekend will be no different, particularly with the Rugby World Cup final match on Sunday. “Our goal is to help keep individuals, families and communities safe on the roads by making them aware of the danger of driver fatigue,” Ms Daly said.

In 2009 driver fatigue was a contributing factor in:

13 percent of all fatal crashes 7 percent of all reported serious injuries from road crashes 5 percent of all reported minor injuries from road crashes

*Figures extracted from Ministry of Transport crash statistics report for the year ending 31 December 2009

“Passengers have as much responsibility as the driver to watch out for warning signs of fatigue that may include yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes, restlessness, drowsiness, slow reactions, boredom and over-steering.”

To reduce the risk of driver fatigue, State advises drivers to: Make sure you are well rested before starting your trip; Take a break from driving at least every 2 hours; Don’t drive when you would normally be asleep; Include an overnight stop on long trips; Where possible, plan to share the driving.

State will be operating five Driver Reviver rest stops over the long weekend, three in the North Island and two in the South Island.

North Island Site Name Location Days(s)/Times Ruakaka Uretiti Weigh Station State Highway 1 30kms south of Whangarei Monday 24 October 10am – 6.30pm Putaruru VTNZ Testing Station State Highway 1 2kms south of Putaruru Friday 21 October 2.00pm - 6.30pm Saturday 22 October 10.00am – 2.00pm Ohakea Weigh Station State Highway 1 2kms south of Bulls Monday 24 October 10am – 6.30pm

South Island Site Name Location Days(s)/Times Lewis Pass Engineers Camp State Highway 7 Saturday 22 October 10am – 6.00pm Ealing Rest Area State Highway 1 110kms south of Christchurch Monday 24 October 10am – 6.00pm State has been operating Driver Reviver rest stops over the Easter and Labour weekends since 2004 with the first rest stop at Lewis Pass in Canterbury. Since its inception State Driver Reviver rest stops have helped over 42,000 travellers stay rested and safe on our roads.

ends

© Scoop Media