Over a quarter of all fatal road crashes in New Zealand are head-on crashes. 14 people died on roads in the Tasman Police District last year which equates to a fatal crash occurring every twenty six days on our roads.
Nationally 73% of all fatal crashes occur on rural roads. The Tasman Police District percentage is 90%. The main contributing factors for rural crashes are,
Driver loss of control, poor handling, too fast for conditions,poor judgement, poor observation, fatigue, excess alcohol, incorrect lane position, failed to give way or stop and failed to keep left.
Safe Driving Tips:
KEEPING LEFT
* When driving position your seat at the mid point of your lane. Rural roads are marked with edge lines. Keep the left of your vehicle near the edge line.
* Be aware of what is to your left so you can take evasive action if necessary. If a car comes towards you on your side of the road, brake and use an escape route on the left. Do not swerve onto the wrong side of the road yourself.
* Use the left hand lane at all times unless passing
* Keep well to the left when driving around a curve, you never know what is around the corner.
* Reduce speed to maintain this position through curves
REMEMBER
* A four inch strip of white paint (the centre line marking) is not a median barrier
* Police in Tasman are actively targeting driving on the incorrect side of the road in order to reduce serious injuries and save lives