'Slow down' safety message

A safety campaign aimed at slowing motorists on Waikato roads will run until the end of next month.

Organisers say the campaign was started because crashes on Waikato roads over the past four years had left more than 400 people with life-changing injuries.

About 145 people also lost their lives on the roads in the same period.

"There are four key areas that we're focusing on that cause up to half of all crashes and injuries on our roads," ACC injury prevention consultant Lisa Taylor said yesterday.

They included remaining patient in traffic, keeping left on winding roads, taking extra care around trucks and being prepared for sunstrike, she said.

"These simple actions can have a major effect on reducing the injury rates for the region."

A quarter of Waikato crashes last year were caused by people driving too fast, and three-quarters of those crashes were caused by taking bends too fast.

"Watching your speed isn't just driving to the speed limit, it's also about taking the conditions into account and taking your foot off the pedal," Ms Taylor said.

The campaign incorporates billboards, radio advertising and tips on driving to the conditions which will be published in newspapers.

It has been put together by ACC, the Transport Agency, Environment Waikato and the police.

- NZPA