Rest stops to help drivers beat fatigue

21 October, 2010 For immediate release

State Insurance rest stops to help drivers beat fatigue this long weekend

People driving on some of the country's main highways this Labour Weekend will be able to fend off fatigue by pulling into rest stops run by State Insurance staff for free food and drink.

Barista coffee, water, sizzling sausages, apples and activities for kids will be on offer at State Driver Reviver rest stops at key spots and times over the long weekend.

Ministry of Transport figures show that in 2009, 52 people died in crashes where fatigue was identified a factor, while 187 suffered serious injuries and 650 suffered minor injuries. The total social cost of crashes involving fatigue in 2009 was an estimated $335 million.

"We're really proud to support State Driver Reviver-run by our staff-to raise awareness about driver fatigue and keep Kiwis safe by giving them a break on us., says Mary Jane Daly Executive General Manager of State. "One of our Christchurch people came up with the idea six years ago, and it's grown into a community service that staff around the country run every Labour and Easter weekend. More than 20,000 people have now visited a State Driver Reviver rest stop.

"We look forward to serving drivers who are passing our free State Driver Reviver rest stops-but we're urging all drivers to plan ahead, watch for fatigue and pull over when they need to."

Drivers should plan ahead to minimise the risk of fatigue: * sleep before you drive * take regular breaks * share the driving.

The signs of driver fatigue include: * feeling drowsy * yawning * sore or heavy eyes, blurred or dim vision * impatience, lack of concentration or slow reactions * wandering over the centre-line or road edge * droning or humming in your ears * sweaty hands, hunger, thirst, stiffness or cramp * poor gear changes * change in driving speeds.

Go to www.state.co.nz/StateDriverReviver for details of the five State Driver Reviver rest stops, with scheduled times subject to light and weather conditions:

Ruakaka (Uretiti Weigh Station) State Highway 1, 30km south of Whangarei Monday 25 October, 10am-6pm Putaruru (VTNZ Testing Station) State Highway 1, 2km south of Putaruru Friday 22 October, 1pm-6pm Saturday 23 October, 9am-1pm Ohakea (Weigh Station) State Highway 1, 2km south of Bulls Monday 25 October, 10am-6pm

Lewis Pass (Engineers Camp) State Highway 7 Monday 25 October, 10am-6pm

Ealing (Rest Area) State Highway 1, 110km south of Christchurch Monday 25 October, 10am-6pm

ENDS

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