Media statement | 21 March 2005

New ad highlights intersection ‘time bomb’

The latest instalment in New Zealand’s road safety advertising campaign illustrates the dangers of taking unnecessary risks at intersections, comparing impatient drivers to ticking time bombs.

Failure to give way at intersections is one of the largest causes of death and injury crashes in New Zealand, and it is the leading cause of injury crashes.

Last year over 3,000 people were injured or killed because drivers failed to give way at intersections.

“We know that people take calculated risks at intersections, but they consistently underestimate the danger they are putting themselves and others at by taking those risks.

“The purpose of this advertisement is to challenge people’s risk-taking behaviour at intersections and get them to think twice about pushing the rules,” said Director of Land Transport Wayne Donnelly.

The advertisement will screen from Sunday 20 March.

For more information:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8822 or 0212 763 222