Road safety campaign to reduce crashes

A new road safety campaign in Rotorua will highlight the dangers at intersections such as the Old Taupo Rd/SH30 intersection where this crash happened in February. Photo / File

Rotorua drivers are being targeted in a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing crashes at intersections.

The "Intersections Campaign" runs from Thursday until the end of September and highlights intersections in Rotorua with the highest crash risk rates.

The campaign is a partnership between the Rotorua District Council, Rotorua police and Road Safety Rotorua.

Rotorua has six intersections with high crash risk ratings - Tutanekai and Amohau streets, Amohau and Fenton streets, Western Rd onto State Highway 5, Waiotapu Loop Rd onto State Highway 5, Tauranga Direct Rd and Hamurana Rd, and the Old Taupo Road/State Highway 30 (Hemo Rd) intersection, which has been identified as the fourth worst intersection in New Zealand for crashes.

Rotorua District Council road safety co-ordinator Jodie Lawson said the campaign used newspapers, radio and social media combined with on-location education and enforcement stops at some of the intersections by police officers and council road safety staff.

"The national crash analysis system has identified Rotorua as a community at substantial risk in terms of crashes at intersections in our district," Mrs Lawson said.

"We'll be talking to drivers in the vicinity of some of the intersections with the worst crash records to increase awareness about the risks that exist in these spots and to encourage better driving".

Mrs Lawson said it was important for drivers to be aware that all intersections brought an element of risk.

"This means road users need to be extra vigilant when approaching any intersection, not just at those identified as having the highest risk.

"When we drive, we share the road with others.

"Speed and the decisions road users make need to allow for a potential error - whether it's theirs or someone else's. No one should have to pay for a mistake with their life."

Information on the six Rotorua intersections with the highest crash rates is available at www.rdc.govt.nz.