Campaign targets local drivers

Constable Ardon Hayward, of Rotorua police, at the Old Taupo Rd and State Highway 30 (Hemo Rd) intersection, which is one of the six most dangerous in the district. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua drivers are being targeted in an annual road safety campaign aimed at reducing crashes at intersections.

The campaign is under way as a partnership project with the Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua police and Road Safety Rotorua highlighting intersections with the highest crash risk rates.

According to the council, Rotorua has six intersections with particularly high crash risk ratings - Tutanekai and Amohau Sts; Old Taupo and Malfroy Rds; Tarawera roundabout; Ngongotaha roundabout; Whirinaki Valley Rd/State Highway 30; and the Old Taupo Rd/ State Highway 30 (Hemo Rd) intersection, which has been identified as the fourth worst intersection in New Zealand for crashes.

Rotorua Lakes Council road safety co-ordinator Reade Nikora said the campaign would use press, radio and social media along with on-location education and enforcement stops by police officers and council road safety staff at some of the intersections.

"Intersections are among the most dangerous places on the New Zealand road network, so it's essential that drivers are made aware of the high level of risk," Mr Nikora said.

"During the last five years, 78 per cent of [road] deaths and serious injuries across Rotorua district were at intersections. This high rate is totally unacceptable, especially when speed and poor decisions play such an alarming role in these statistics."

Mr Nikora said while the campaign highlights the six highest-risk local intersections, road users must be extra vigilant when approaching all intersections, as people should not pay for mistakes with their lives.

Rotorua police acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Lynch said the intersections themselves were safe, it was driver error that was the problem.

"It is simply drivers not abiding by the intersection controls, not stopping or giving way. Drivers need to slow down, pay attention and abide by what the signage shows at the intersection they are approaching. Too many drivers are in a hurry and think it will be okay."

The road safety campaign will run through to September.