Stopping at intersections may save your life

Stop means stop. That’s the message Taupo District Council and Taupo Police want to drive home to motorists.

Taupo urban area has the worst crash rate in Bay of Plenty – the majority of which occur at intersections. Council’s Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison says the most common cause of intersection crashes in Taupo is caused by drivers going through stop signs without stopping.

“Both Council and the Police will be working hard through this campaign to let motorists know that stop means stop,” says Ms Hutchison.

The Council has identified the town’s worst three intersections and wants to raise the community’s awareness of the dangers at these junctions in particular. The intersections are Heu Heu and Titiraupenga, Tamamutu and Titiraupenga, and Tamamutu and Kaimanawa.

Senior Sergeant Murray Hamilton and Ms Hutchison this week inspected the campaign billboards which have been erected at various intersections to caution motorists.

“The billboards look great and they get the point across: have another look at intersections and make sure the way is clear before you proceed,” says Senior Sergeant Hamilton.

The campaign includes a road safety quiz to ensure people are aware of intersection rules. Look out for the quiz in local papers and service stations. A prize draw will be held at the end of June.