Drivers are being reminded to be careful on Northland roads over the Easter break - especially if they're tired from travelling long distances. Fatigue is a real issue on the roads with police describing it as the the "unknown killer". While police can test for alcohol, speed and other factors relating tocrashes - there is no way to test what impact fatigue has on drivers. In a bid to help tired drivers, a fatigue stop will be operating today at Waiomio, 4km south of Kawakawa, between 12.30pm and 4.30pm and on Monday at Uretiti weigh station near Ruakaka from 9am to 6.30pm. The stops, run by State Insurance and volunteers from the Northland RoadSafety Association, will offer food, drinks and face painting for children. Association president Robbie Stevenson said traditionally Easter was a big traffic weekend in Northland. About 1300 drivers were expected to take advantage of the stops over the two days. Mr Stevenson said if people were going away they needed to make sure they planned their trip and allowed plenty of time to get to their destination. Those driving long distances should take regular breaks. Drivers should also remember the other road safety messages, such as sticking to the speed limit, wearing seatbelts, not drinking and driving and travelling to the conditions. Northland's road toll stands at six so far this year, with alcohol and speed common factors. At the same time last year five people had lost their lives on Northland's roads. Land Transport New Zealand statistics show that in 2007, nearly all accidents resulting in injury or death in Northland happened on bends, including 30 fatalities, 148 serious injuries and 611 minor injuries. In the past, the road safety focus has been on travel between Good Friday and Easter Monday, but the study shows motorists need to be particularly vigilant today. The increase was put down to extra pressure to tie up loose ends before travelling, leaving drivers distracted and fatigued.
