During January every year, AMI typically sees a 34 per cent increase in vehicle collision claims due to driver fatigue. This highlights the need for greater awareness around managing sleepiness at the wheel.
There’s also a 15 per cent increase in claims for multiple vehicle accidents during the summer season. This indicates that drivers’ risk mindset fades during the busy holiday period.
Everyone travelling through Fairlie this Saturday should pull in at AMI’s free Driver Reviver event.
AMI encourages anyone travelling on SH8 past the Fairlie Rest Area on Saturday 21 December, between 11am and 2pm to take a break with them. They will be welcomed with a free snack or barista-made coffee from the AMI BBQ trailer and coffee cart. Drivers and their passengers can visit the team onsite to learn more about how to combat the effects of driver fatigue. It’s especially important on long journeys. Take time out on a bean bag to revive.
The Fairlie AMI Driver Reviver event is run by AMI’s Community Risk team. It partners with South Canterbury Road Safety, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, and Hato Hone St John, amongst others.
AMI Executive General Manager Consumer Brands, Paula ter Brake has experience in this area. “We started running these events across the country in 2021 and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from drivers. They found their interaction with experts about driver fatigue to be very useful.
“In that time, we have encouraged thousands of drivers to recognise signs of fatigue. They should stop, take a break and recharge for the journey ahead.
“We too often hear stories about how people have contined to drive despite feeling exhausted.
“We want to encourage everyone to plan rest stops for water, food and bathroom breaks ahead of their journeys.
“There are plenty of rest areas along the major highways of the country. These provide a safe space to park up and have a quick nap if you start feeling tired.
“If you see the bright green and yellow AMI flag when passing through Fairlie, be sure to stop in. Take a break and come and say hello. At the end of the day, we want to see every New Zealander arrive safely at their destination,” she added.
Date: Saturday, 21 December 2024.
Time: 11am – 2pm.
Location: Fairlie Rest Area, SH8 between Mt Cook Road and Denmark Street.
