Drivers encouraged to stop for free food and a chat
Stock image by JESHOOTS
The stops, held annually, aim to raise awareness around the issue of driver fatigue and encourage those going long distances to pull over for a break.
This year they will be held in Pirongia on Friday 23 July and Ngahinapouri on Sunday 1 August from 5pm-8pm.
Waipā District Council's Road Safety Coordinator Megan Jolly said last year, more than 200 drivers had stopped for some food and a chat.
“We have been running these events for several years and it’s a great opportunity for people to have a break, perhaps swap drivers and get information about safe driving practices.
“These locations target traffic heading through our district who are generally on long distance trips and are travelling after a long week at work.”
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 per cent of crashes.
Jolly said there were three key things drivers could do to prevent the risk of having an accident due to tiredness.
“Catch up on sleep in the nights before you are heading off. Take a break every 2 hours as this refreshes you and helps to keep you alert and if you are tired, pull over and have a power nap.”
The events are being run by Waipā District Council, in collaboration with New Zealand Police, Fulton Hogan, Waka Kotahi, two local schools and local businesses.
