Stay safe on the roads with State Driver Reviver

State Driver Reviver sites will be open again this Easter weekend.

To help drivers stay alert on the roads, the State Driver Reviver rest stop teams will be out helping to fight fatigue once more.

If you’re heading away for Easter weekend, keep an eye out for the rest stops. Free espresso coffee, hot cross buns and distractions for the kids will make sure you have a refreshing break and a safe trip.

“It is so important to notice the signs of fatigue when you are driving” says Head of State insurance Ian Foy. “The State Driver Reviver rest stop gives you the chance to take a good 15 minute break. The face painting is a real favourite with the kids, and the stop really does make a difference to drivers’ concentration.”

Driver fatigue is still a major cause of crashes in New Zealand. Figures released from the Ministry of Transport show nationally that fatigue was a factor in 706 crashes in 2007 resulting in 48 fatalities.*

State Insurance runs the Driver Reviver rest stops in four sites across New Zealand to help reduce fatigue related crashes. More than 16,000 people have visited the events since they started operating five years ago.

State Driver Reviver rest stops will be operating in Putaruru on Thursday and Friday, and Ruakaka, Ohakea and the Lewis Pass on Monday.

What should I do if I’m driving and begin to get tired?

Ø      Pull over somewhere safe, stop and power nap for 20 minutes only.

Stop and get out of the car for at least 15 minutes as soon as you find it difficult to concentrate or you notice some of the other signs of fatigue, e.g. lots of yawning, tired or sore eyes, missing road signs or drifting in your lane.