Fatigue stops help road toll

ROAD RULES: Northland Road Safety Association treasurer Fred Ogle, left, RoadSafe co-ordinator Gillian Archer and association president Robbie Stevenson are happy with the success of Fatigue Stops for drivers.

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Northland’s low road toll could be in part due to successful ‘Fatigue Stops’ for drivers at Uretiti and in the Far North.

Land Transport NZ statistics from last week show there were 13 fatalities this year in Northland compared with 20 at the same time last year.

Northland Road Safety Association’s Fatigue Stops encourage drivers to take a break providing them with coffee and information.

More than 4000 people stopped at the 16 fatigue stops in the 2007 and 2008 campaign.

Recently reappointed association president Robbie Stevenson says he is proud of the success of the campaign.

"Many people admit they hit the road after a full day at work and the fatigue stop is the first chance they take for a break.

"Overseas tourists are very impressed at the great coffee Steve provides and the wealth of information available on fatigue, safety at road works, seat belt use and speed."

Robbie says the support of the "wonderful" volunteers from 60s Up Movement Bream Bay helped run the stops.

"Without volunteers like these men and women this country would grind to a halt and I can’t tell you how much we appreciate their support," he says.

Each fatigue stop was attended by association members and the Bream Bay volunteers, plus St John Ambulance, police, the fire service and ACC on occasion.

RoadSafe co-ordinator Gillian Archer says RoadSafe Northland is happy to be funding a number of the fatigue stops.

"They certainly have made in impression on drivers over the years and our reduced crash rate on this stretch of road may well reflect this," she says.

Robbie says the association also appreciates the support of Magic Radio host Robin Lilley, who in turn says he’s delighted to be a volunteer in road safety.

- © Fairfax NZ News