Media statement | 7 September 2007

Death lurks around the corner for speeding drivers

A new road safety television advertisement went to air this Sunday (9 September), using images of exploding landmines to illustrate the dangers of driving too fast around corners.

The ad confronts speeding drivers with the reality that the laws of physics cannot be overcome by driver skill – for every driver there is a point of no return when taking a corner too fast will result in losing control and crashing. 

Although open road speeds have come down in recent years, driving at excessive speed remains a serious road safety and public health issue. Speed is still the number one killer on our roads, contributing to over 120 deaths and 2,600 injuries each year, and 58 percent of all speed-related crashes occur on corners.

Land Transport NZ Advertising Manager Paul Graham said the new ad aims to show speeding drivers the potentially fatal consequences of taking corners too fast.

‘The ad uses the image of landmines to emphasise that when you enter a bend at high speeds you put yourself in danger, even if you can’t see it. You are at the mercy of forces beyond your control which could kill you. The message is simple – slow down.’

• Video of the advertisement

For more information

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  0212 763 222