Fergus Tate, road safety expert and Technical Group Lead at WSP, emphasises the importance of keeping a safe speed, avoiding fatigue, and steering clear of alcohol to ensure safe travels.
With the 2023/2024 summer in full swing, Fergus notes an expected surge in roadworks across the country. The increase in road repair projects is likely to elevate frustration levels among drivers navigating through holiday traffic.
"While road works are essential for improving infrastructure, they can pose challenges for holiday travellers. It's crucial for motorists to stay vigilant and patient, as frustration behind the wheel can lead to risky behaviour and accidents.
“Remember, the people fixing your roads are people just like you - they don’t need to be abused or put in danger.”
Fergus highlights four key factors that will contribute significantly to a safer driving experience during the holiday rush:
Safe Speed Limits
"It's important to stick to speed limits and adjust your driving speed based on road conditions. Excessive speed is a major contributor to road accidents. It's imperative that drivers prioritise safety over speed, especially when navigating through construction zones.
“This is even more important during the holidays, as lots of vehicles on the road will be carrying more stuff. When a vehicle has a heavier load, it handles differently. It becomes harder for it to speed up or slow down, and it takes a longer distance to come to a stop.”
Fatigue Management
With long journeys commonplace during the holiday season, Fergus urges drivers to recognise the signs of fatigue and take regular breaks.
"Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making skills. To combat this, drivers should plan their trips with adequate rest stops and make sure they're well-rested before embarking on long journeys."
Distraction
Whether it be devices or people, distraction can lead to a significant increase in road safety risk and contributes to fatigue as it increases the demand on the driver.
Alcohol Avoidance
Fergus reiterates the dangers of alcohol consumption before and during driving.
"Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. It's crucial to appoint a sober driver or use alternative transportation options if alcohol has been consumed."
For the 2022 / 2023 Christmas / New Year holiday period, the NZ Transport Agency reports that 2,581 people were injured in road traffic crashes. Of these, 510 sustained serious injuries and 19 were killed. That's 19 too many.
While the length of the official holiday period varies from year to year, it's usually about 11 days. That means almost two (1.7) people are killed each day, which is far greater than the rest of the year where, on average, just less than 1 (0.9) person is killed per day
The bottom line, says Fergus, is that this is a higher risk time of year and extra care is required.
"Let’s prioritise safety on the roads these holidays. By adopting a responsible and patient approach, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more enjoyable holiday travel experience for everyone."
