Volunteers help keep roads safe

Members from the Taupo Community Patrol are assisting with road safety in Taupo town by deploying the ‘Speed Trailer’ device around schools and trouble spots.

Feedback from the community has been very positive "We are always pleased to see any interventions that assist with the safe driving practices of motorists around schools" said Tauhara College Principal Peter Gould. "To date, we haven't had any ongoing speeding issues, but it is critical to remind motorists of their speeds.” He also said that the active warning signs installed at the school are “very good”.

Taupo District Council Road Safety Co-ordinator Christine Hutchison is pleased to have a partnership with the Community Patrol "It means the Speed Trailer can go out more often and be a constant reminder to motorists to keep their speeds down, particularly around schools.”

In the vicinity of schools there is a significant risk posed to children by speeding vehicles, particularly during the busy morning and afternoon periods. Drivers are often caught out when a pedestrian unexpectedly steps out onto the road, so keeping speeds down in residential areas is a key concern for the Community Patrol.

At 50km/h a car will travel nearly 20metres while the driver reacts and moves their foot to the brake pedal. If a pedestrian is 20metres in front of the car, it would still be travelling close to 50km/h when it hits the object. A healthy adult when struck at 50km/h has about a 40% chance of being killed - for a child, the odds are worse.

“It is great to have Taupo Community Patrol deploying the speed trailer device to appeal to motorists to do the right thing and slow down around schools,” said Ms Hutchison.

Ms Hutchison reminds everyone that “Road Safety is Everyone's Responsibility!”