Grim Reaper haunts Taupo intersections

The Grim Reaper has been in Taupo this week reminding motorists of intersection dangers.

A local road safety campaign organised by Taupo District Council was created to align with New Zealand Transport Agency's current television campaign which features the Grim Reaper and a spinning wheel situated alongside busy intersections. The local slogan is “Spin. Don’t spin. Intersections. It’s your call.”

The spinning wheel featured in the television commercials has been in Taupo since last Friday and is proving to be a highly visual reminder of intersection dangers. Even in wet conditions, people emerged from cars and cafés to see the wheel in action.

More FM radio announcers were on site to award local café and fuel vouchers to motorists who correctly answered intersection trivia questions. Thanks to Friends Café and Dixie Browns for their support of the campaign.

Taupo Police Senior Sergeant Fane Troy is also right behind the campaign. His plea to motorists is for them to remember that “stop means stop”.

The four intersections which are the key focus of the local campaign are Heu Heu and Titiraupenga, Tamamutu and Titiraupenga, Tamamutu and Kaimanawa, and Poihipi and State Highway 1. All have proven to be high risk locations.

The spinning wheel will be at Tauhara College on Thursday 21 May and Taupo-nui-a-Tia College on Friday 22 May.