Skiers and snowboarders target of campaign
13 August 2013
Drivers heading to and from the skifields are the target of a driver fatigue campaign launched on Friday by Waipa District Council's Road Safety Coordinator Megan Jolly.
The campaign on SH39 included a driver fatigue stop in Pirongia where motorists travelling down to the mountain were invited to stop for a break. While receiving a complimentary drink and bite to eat, drivers were warned of the dangers of driver fatigue and what they could do to minimise it. Driver surveys carried out at the rest stop not only provided an opportunity for data to be collected from motorists but also a chance for some serious discussion around strategies for people to take when drivibg for long periods, in por conditions after spending time at the snow.
Statistically Fridays through to Sundays are the most common time for fatigue related crashes. Driver fatigue is estimated to be a crash factor in at least 13% of crashes.
A busy week and then an exhausting weekend on the mountain can result in a general lack of sleep and can be a recipe for disaster on the road. Road Safety Co-ordinator Megan Jolly says
Catching up on lost sleep before you head off, Sharing the driving, taking a break every 2 hours of driving are sensible ways of preventing fatigue. If you feel tired pull over and take a power nap for 10-20 minutes. This can improve your motor skills and boost energy levels.
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.
Last year 54% of people surveyed at a fatigue stop said that they had pulled over and had a power nap at some time.
Ms Jolly attributes this increase in part to the education provided at the stops as well as billboard messages positioned along the highway network.
It is not uncommon now to see people pulled off to the side of the road having a nap. Ten to 20 minutes is a great amount of time for a nap- any longer however and you could wake up feeling groggy.
Similar campaigns are being held in the Waitomo, Otorohanga and Waikato Districts and is supported by Police, local schools and Transfield Services.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Megan Jolly
Road Safety Co-ordinator
Ph: 021 298 9920
Email: mfj@xtra.co.nz
