Media statement | 9 June 2006

Bad calls at intersections are deadly

Make a 'bad call' at an intersection and it could kill someone - that's the simple message behind the latest instalment in New Zealand's road safety television advertising campaign.

The new ad, which will air for the first time this Sunday (11 June), shows the dangers of taking calculated risks at intersections, with a father putting his son in harm's way after making a 'bad call'.

Director of Land Transport Wayne Donnelly said he hoped the new ad would make drivers think twice before pushing their luck at intersections.

"The risks many drivers take at intersections, like nipping into small gaps in oncoming traffic, seem relatively inconsequential. They may have had close calls and near misses, but they feel they always get away with it - this ad shows what happens when you aren't so lucky," Mr Donnelly said.

Failure to give way at intersections is a serious road safety issue and it is the leading cause of injury crashes in New Zealand. Last year 2,400 crashes happened primarily because a driver failed to give way – not including those where alcohol or excessive speed were involved. These bad calls at intersections turned out to be fatal for 31 people last year. 

Most failure to give way crashes involve two cars colliding at urban intersections with 50 km/h speed limits – fast enough to cause serious injuries or even death.

The new ad screens from 11 June and will be supported by radio, billboard and other advertising.

For more information:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport NZ
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  021 276 3222