Media Statement
For immediate release
5 April 2007
Take a break - stay fit to drive this Easter

Land Transport New Zealand is encouraging drivers to stay fit to drive by taking frequent breaks when they hit the road over the long weekend.

Land Transport has collaborated with ACC, Transit New Zealand and NZ Police on a series of holiday-themed radio, print and billboard advertisements targeting driver stress, impatience and fatigue.

Billboards at rest stops around the country and sixteen region-specific billboards with localised messages will remind drivers of the need to rest up and take breaks.

“Easter weekend is a time to relax, but there are also extra pressures facing drivers on long journeys with high volumes of traffic on the roads. Taking breaks on long trips is a great way to ease that pressure and see a bit more of the country,” said Land Transport NZ Chief Executive Wayne Donnelly.

On average, five people have been killed and another 190 injured in road crashes during each of the past five Easter weekends.

Editors’ note: Historical Easter weekend road crash statistics follow. Graphics of region-specific campaign billboards and sound files of radio advertisements are also available on request.

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The Official Easter holiday period for 2007 will begin at 1600 Thursday 5 April and end at 0600 hours Tuesday 10 April

Over Easter weekend 2006 there were five fatal crashes and 114 reported injury crashes. These crashes resulted in five deaths, 27 serious injuries and 143 minor injuries.

All of the fatal crashes and half the injury crashes reported last Easter weekend occurred on the open road. Drivers travelling too fast for conditions (23% of crashes), losing control (21%) and failing to give way (21%) were the most common driver factors contributing to crashes. Alcohol (19%) inattention (15%), inexperience (10%) and fatigue (8%) were also common driver factors.

Historical Easter Weekend crash statistics

Year Deaths Injuries
1980 15 213
1981 5 248
1982 13 240
1983 11 285
1984 15 258
1985 9 291
1986 15 254
1987 19 254
1988 12 283
1989 16 214
1990 17 237
1991 12 238
1992 12 185
1993 11 165
1994 10 228
1995 9 192
1996 7 229
1997 6 218
1998 3 176
1999 7 145
2000 6 134
2001 4 161
2002 3 214
2003 3 190
2004 4 170
2005 9 209
2006 5 170

The tolls for 2003, 2002 and 1998 were the lowest since the first available records for holiday periods in 1956. The previous lowest total was 4 deaths recorded in 1959. The highest recorded number killed is 21 which was recorded in 1971.

ENDS

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