Horizons role in road safety Road Safety

The chances drivers take at intersections, like nipping into small gaps, being in too much of a hurry, being unsure of the rules, may seem inconsequential but the truth is that taking risks at intersections can result in serious injury and even death.
 

At intersections controlled by stop signs always stop completely. Don't just slow down or do a “rolling stop”.

At intersections controlled by traffic lights: a yellow signal means the lights will soon turn red and you must stop, unless you are so close to the intersection that you can't stop; a red signal means you must stop; a green signal means you can go if it's safe.

At intersections where there is a roundabout, remember to indicate your intentions. It’s important to indicate out when you leave a roundabout.

Take special care to look twice for people on bikes, on motorcycles and any pedestrians who may start crossing the road you’re turning into.

For more information visit NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), what is an intersection webpage.

If you’re the driver of a vehicle, you are responsible for making sure everyone under the age of 15 is wearing a seatbelt or sitting in an approved child restraint. 
 
Using a correctly installed and age-appropriate child restraint will reduce your child’s risk of injury or death in a crash.
 
Unrestrained passengers, animals and objects become missiles when there’s a crash. Seatbelts save lives.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi child restraints webpage.

To find a child restraint technician visit the NZTA Waka Kotahi website.

Mobility is an important aspect to support social connections and independence for those 65 years and older. As drivers get older and road rules change, it’s important that drivers keep refreshed on the rules to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

  
Know the Code for senior drivers

Horizons supports senior road users by providing advice and running Know the Code courses (road rule refresher) for senior drivers.

Currently courses are held in Palmerston North, Feilding and Tararua. The courses are interactive and free to attend.

Please contact our road safety team for more information about these courses and the dates they are held.

Staying safe courses

Age Concern also delivers classroom-based refresher workshops for senior road users across the Horizons Region, that aim to maintain and improve safe driving practices.  For details of dates and locations, please contact your local Age Concern office.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi senior drivers webpage.

Speed is a major road safety issue in New Zealand today, so regardless of how skilled you are at driving, speeding puts you and other road users at risk.

Regardless of the cause of the crash, speed is what will most likely determine whether anyone is killed, seriously injured, or walks away unharmed from that crash.

Changes in traffic, road and weather conditions can increase risk, so adjusting speeds accordingly will help keep all road users safe, meaning that everyone can get to where they’re going safely whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or using public transport.

For people who are walking or biking, a reduction in vehicle speed from 50km/h to 30km/h translates to a 90 percent chance of surviving the crash. This reduction in speed is particularly important around schools and early childhood centres.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi speed and road safety webapge. 

Fatigue is tiredness, weariness or exhaustion and it doesn’t just mean falling asleep at the wheel. Your driving can be impaired if you are fatigued; you may be less attentive and alert to dangers, your reaction times and decision-making ability may be slower and your tolerance for other road users may decrease.

To keep yourself and those in the car safe you can, share the driving, share the road, and arrive alive. Whenever you’re travelling long distances, stay safe on the road by taking regular breaks, sticking to the speed limit, sharing the driving and limiting distractions. 

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi driver fatigue webpage.

Alcohol

Alcohol seriously affects your driving by slowing your reaction times and affecting your senses and judgement. Alcohol is a leading contributing factor to many crashes in New Zealand as it impairs a driver’s judgement.

Being a responsible driver means ensuring that you are never over the permitted blood alcohol level.
 
It is difficult to estimate how many alcoholic drinks a person can have before they reach the legal limit. Even after one drink, you’ll be putting yourself and others at risk. Only time can sober you up and you may be over the legal driving limit the next day.
 
If you’re drinking, the safest option is not to drive at all.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi alcohol and road safety webpage

Medication and illegal drugs

It can be unsafe to drive after taking medication or illegal drugs. It can affect how you take in and process information, your reaction times and perception of reality. It can also make you more fatigued. By driving after taking medication or illegal drugs you could harm yourself or other people.
 
Talk to a health care professional (nurse, doctor, pharmacist) about any medication you’re taking (as well as any other substances such as illegal drugs or alcohol), to find out how it may affect your driving.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi medication and illegal drugs webpage.

Driver distraction is a serious road safety issue as drivers succumb to the use of smartphones, other electronics and in-car entertainment while driving. Anything that diverts a driver’s attention for more than two seconds can significantly increase the likelihood of a crash or near-crash.

Other causes of distracted driving include:

·      Looking at something on the side of the road

·      Eating or drinking

·      Talking to passengers

·      Being emotionally upset.

Take a moment’ before you set off

Using your mobile phone while driving is dangerous. Instead choose a safer way of driving and set up your mobile phone, GPS navigation, or Spotify playlist before you drive. Make sure to put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ to avoid being distracted by it. Drive focused, arrive safe.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi driver distraction webpage.

For more information visit NZTA Waka Kotahi legal mobile phone use while driving webpage.

To ensure your safety on the road, choose a vehicle that has a high safety rating and always keep your vehicle well maintained.

Vehicle safety ratings

Vehicles have safety ratings which give you the best indication of how your vehicle is likely to perform in a crash.
 
The ratings range from 1 to 5-stars with the safest vehicles having a 4 or 5-star safety rating. 1 and 2-star vehicles provide less protection in a crash. The more stars, the safer the car.
 
When buying a vehicle, it is recommended you buy the safest, cleanest and most efficient vehicle in your price range.
 
There are vehicles with high safety ratings available in most vehicle categories and price brackets. 
 
Vehicles with 1 or 2-star safety ratings account for two out of three deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.
 
If you own a 1 or 2-star safety rated vehicle and are disposing of it, you can help reduce the number of these unsafe vehicles on our roads by deregistering and scrapping it rather than selling it on.
 
Keeping your vehicle maintained

Regularly maintaining your vehicle helps keep you safe when travelling.

Key checks you can do to maintain your vehicle are:

·      Check your tyres

·      Check your windscreen

·      Check your wipers and mirrors

·      Check your indicators and lights are functioning

·      Check for rust

It’s important to fix any of the issues you come across as soon as possible.

For more information visit the RightCar website,

or visit NZTA Waka Kotahi check your car webpage.