Changing driver habits to help save lives

Wearing a seatbelt and changing your mobile phone habits when you’re behind the wheel could save lives - that’s the message Waikato Police are trying to get through to drivers as part of Operation Habit, which launched on Monday and runs until Sunday 7 August 2016.

There’s been a sudden increase in deaths associated with restraints not being worn – from an average of 57 per year from 2012-2014, to 92 in 2015.

Nationally, between January and March 2016, 41% of vehicle occupants killed in road crashes were unrestrained at the time of the crash.

This translates to 28 people whose deaths may have otherwise been prevented.

Despite showing that wearing a seatbelt reduces your chance of death or serious injury in a crash by at least 40%, far too many local drivers are putting themselves and their families at risk by not using them.

“Regardless of the vehicle you’re in, or whether you’re the driver or a passenger, the message is the same,” said Waikato Road Policing Senior Sergeant Phil Ruddell.

“Wear a seatbelt.

It takes next to no time to buckle up and it could save your life.”

Motorists are being reminded that all child passengers, up to the age of seven, have to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint, such as a baby capsule, toddler’s car seat, or pre-schooler’s booster seat.

It is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all passengers under the age of 15 are wearing suitable restraints.

“It’s unacceptable to put children’s lives at risk by wilfully ignoring the law or failing to restrain a child where restraints are available,” said Mr Ruddell.

“The death or serious injury of any child in a crash is a tragedy.

No family should ever have to bury a child whose death could have been avoided by being properly restrained while in the car.”

Driver distractions - particularly those posed by talking, texting and checking emails on a mobile phone while driving - are another key target during the nationwide Operation Habit.

“Drivers need to be aware of the very real risks posed by anything that diverts their attention for more than a couple of seconds,” said Mr Ruddell.

“When you get behind the wheel, put your phone away or hand it to a passenger so you’re not distracted by the sound of a text or call.

“Answering that call or text could put you, your passengers and other road users at risk.

No phone call or text is that important.”

ENDS

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