Reduce the risk – headlights on!

That message will be screaming at motorists from billboards, radios and newspapers across the Waikato region as the road safety campaign ‘Reduce the Risk’ enters its winter phase in mid June.

Inspector Leo Tooman, Waikato Road Policing Manager, says the most effective way drivers can reduce the risk of crashing this winter is to turn their lights on and be seen.

“It’s so simple but so effective, and we need to get into the habit quickly,” he says.

“Winter has arrived late this year but the fog and visibility issues are now upon us. If you make sure other motorists can see you, your chances of having a crash are reduced significantly.”

The ‘headlights on’ message is also critical for cyclists and motorcyclists, and this phase of the campaign will be encouraging two-wheeled motorists to further improve their visibility by using lights and wearing reflective clothing. The campaign will reach cyclists and motorcyclists through bus-back advertising, school promotions and special promotions to motorcycle clubs and dealers.

Inspector Tooman said Police are planning an enforcement campaign to target unsafe winter driving practices. Police will reveal more later this month.

“It will target drivers who take risks that endanger themselves and other road users.

The Waikato ‘Reduce the Risk’ campaign has now been running for a year, with modules targeting drugs and alcohol, seatbelts and child restraints, speed, truck driver safety and visibility.

A campaign website www.reducetherisk.co.nz features all the campaign messages, an email newsletter, plus online competitions. The website will soon also provide local authority road safety coordinators with access to download campaign flyers, ads and posters to print and use locally.

Inspector Tooman says the regional campaign is leading the country in pooling regional road safety resources to produce a coordinated, targeted safety campaign.

The campaign has resulted in a national truck logbook safety campaign funded by the NZ Transport Agency, and elements of the campaign have been adopted by road safety organisations in other regions.