Eyes on the road and your speed
Glancing at your screen for just one second when driving 100km/h can lose you 30 metres of road.
North Canterbury Highway Patrol Officer Constable Lincoln Sun calls this ‘blind driving’ and has huge concern about the growing distractions posed by modern vehicle technology.
He reminded drivers not to become overly reliant on the large infotainment screens and advanced driver-assistance technology many modern vehicles now feature. Technology should not replace driver responsibility, and interaction for several seconds can end badly.
“I've attended crashes locally where distraction from in-vehicle technology was a contributing factor. Speed recognition systems can also get the speed limit wrong, so it’s a driver's duty to look for signs and adjust their speed appropriately," said Constable Sun.
He also strongly urged drivers to slow down earlier, when approaching Hurunui’s towns or big junctions, conceding that speed continues to be a key contributor to serious crashes on the district’s roads.
"Waikari is an example, people need to slow down as they enter the town,” said Constable Sun, adding that the issue becomes even more noticeable on weekends and public holidays when traffic volumes through the district increase.
Another location of concern is the northern entrance to Culverden.
"We're still seeing some drivers carrying higher speeds well into the township. In some cases, vehicles haven't appropriately transitioned to the lower speed limit until as far as School Road.”
Constable Sun noted the Waipara Junction, where State Highway 1 and State Highway 7 meet, as another area of concern. He said drivers are not always adjusting to the 80 km/h speed limit through this busy intersection area, in either direction.
“It's a complex environment with turning traffic and higher traffic volumes, so reducing speed is critical."
The consequences of excessive speed can be devastating, especially when combined with risky driving behaviours like distraction or poor following distances. The two second rule is an easy one to follow, and an inexcusable one to break.
“I hate tailgating. It's one of the worst habits on our roads. Respectful, safe following distances give drivers more time to observe hazards and react appropriately."
During October and November, the Better Together Education and Enforcement campaign brings together the New Zealand Transport Agency, Canterbury councils, and Police in a united effort to remind road users of the harm speed causes on our roads.
“Let ‘s be better, together. Please drivers, take the simple but powerful steps of driving to the conditions, staying alert, and travelling within the speed limit. After all, it's a limit, not a target,” said Constable Sun.
