Cops warn of driver fatigue

Motorists werequick to help a fellow driver who collided with the rear of a truck and trailer unit on State Highway1. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Fatigue may have been a factor in a crash south of Whangarei that extensively damaged a car and prevented a trailer unit of a truck being used.

The incident has police pleading for drivers to take extra care during the festive season as traffic increases on the roads.

Police and firefighters were called to the Marsden Pt roundabout on State Highway 1 about 10am yesterday after a car collided with the rear of a truck and trailer unit. Both vehicles were south bound, approaching the roundabout and still moving.

A 73-year-old male driver, from Kerikeri, collided with the trailer unit causing extensive damage to the front of his vehicle and damaging the trailer unit.

Spokeswoman for Northland police Sarah Kennett said the elderly driver was not seriously injured.

Acting road policing manager Inspector Wayne Ewers said the summer months meant more traffic on Northland roads and all drivers need to take extra care.

"Fatigue is one cause of crashes, along with speed, alcohol, and poor driver behaviour through distractions like using a cell phone," Mr Ewers said.

"Northland has had a number of fatal and serious crashes this year where fatigue has played a part."

Police recommend drivers tackling long journeys should get a good night's sleep before driving, share the driving when possible and include rest breaks at least every two hours.

Mr Ewers encouraged motorists to call 555 if they observed driver behaviour that was inappropriate, as vehicles weaving within their own lanes and speed variations could be signs of fatigue.