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Police and the Accident Compensation Corporation are targeting tired drivers in a new road safety campaign.
Driver fatigue was identified as a contributing factor in 11 per cent of fatal crashes and six per cent of injury crashes per year on New Zealand roads between 2002 and 2004, but the true level was thought to be higher.
Wellington District road policing manager Inspector Peter Baird said today that all drivers stopped for speed, running red lights, careless driving, lane drifting and other dangerous driving practices will be given, in addition to an infringement notice, a leaflet highlighting fatigue as a road safety risk.
Driver's employment/contractor details would be gathered and followed up by letter to employers advising them of the incident and drawing attention to workplace safe driving policies.
"Tired drivers are dangerous drivers," Mr Baird said.
"Fatigue includes a lack of concentration, the inability to good judgements, speed, and other poor driving behaviours."
- NZPA
