KEY POINTS:
Drivers are being reminded to take a break when driving long distances at Easter, particularly those travelling on early ferries.
At least 40 people died in 2006, while almost 1000 were injured because they, or the driver of the car they were in, succumbed to fatigue.
ACC staff will be distributing tips and tools on how to beat fatigue to people taking their cars on early ferry sailings and it is also reminding all drivers to plan journeys and take breaks.
"Many drivers, especially when they're heading off on holiday, have a drive-till-you-drop mentality," Yvonne Wood, a Wellington-based ACC Injury Prevention Consultant, said.
Early morning passengers waiting in Wellington to board Cook Strait ferries are being targeted because some had long drives on top of a three-hour ferry journey.
Drivers should plan ahead so they're in top condition for their trip.
That meant not working a full day and then driving for hours. They should instead have a good night's sleep before getting behind the wheel , ACC programme manager road safety Judy Buchanan said.
- NZPA
