More than 150 drivers passing through Pirongia in New Zealand recently made use of a fatigue stop designed to promote safe driving over long distances.    

The fatigue stop was sponsored by Ventia and Waipā District Council, and held with support from local police, Pirongia School PTA and local café, The Nest.

Our Transport Hamilton Roads team volunteered their time to setup and coordinate temporary traffic management to allow vehicles on route to take a break. Along with other key stakeholders, our team handed out refreshments and information to drivers, including strategies people can use to remain alert while driving. Frequent breaks, 20-minute power naps and fresh air were some of the recommended actions.

Ventia's Customer and Stakeholder Manager, Charmaine Cooper, said: "The fatigue stops are an opportunity for us to initiate a dialogue with drivers so that we can impact positively on driving behaviours.'

Minimising driver fatigue saves lives and we want to do all we can to help drivers arrive safely at their destinations.

In line with our commitment to safety and health above all else, our Hamilton Roads contract sponsors around 10 fatigue stops a year in collaboration with different local councils across multiple state highways in the North Island.