Services > Safe Speeds

Speed related crashes are an area of high concern and identified as a continuing and increasing road safety issue across Wairarapa.

In 2019, there were 352 road fatalities. 26% of all fatal crashes are because drivers are going too fast. Since then, we have had factors such as Covid-19 which have meant there are times where there are less drivers on the road, yet we still have skyrocketing figures that are similar in 2000 and tracking towards the same this year.
23% of drivers in New Zealand travel above the 100km per hour speed limit on the open road. Wairarapa is a rural area with many open roads.

Speed is one factor that we can control. Many drivers aren’t aware that they can be travelling at the speed limit and still be driving unsafely. The speed limit is the maximum legal speed that you can travel at on a road in perfect conditions. However, road conditions are rarely perfect. As a safe driver, you’ll have to look out for changes in traffic, road and weather conditions, and reduce your speed accordingly.

Stopping distances: speed and braking

The simple truth about speeding is: the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop and, if you crash, the harder the impact. Even small increases in speed could have severe consequences. If a pedestrian steps out into the path of an oncoming vehicle which is speeding the difference could be a matter of life or death.

In an emergency, the average driver takes about 1.5 seconds to react. Stopping distances increase exponentially the faster you go.

The stopping distances on the infograph are calculated based on the following assumptions:

In an emergency the average driver takes approximately 1.5 seconds to react
A modern vehicle with good brakes and tyres, after braking, is capable of stopping at approximately 7 m/s2.
A dry road that is sealed and level enables good friction between the tyres and the road to help stop the vehicle sooner. Scientifically, it has a coefficient of friction of approximately 1.
A wet road that is sealed and level has less friction between the tyres and the road which increases the stopping distance of a vehicle. Scientifically, the coefficient of friction of approximately 0.7.

The stopping distances in the graph are generic and may be influenced by a number of driver, vehicle and environmental factors:

Driving safely within speed limits

Many drivers aren’t aware that they can be travelling at the speed limit and still be driving unsafely.

The speed limit is the maximum legal speed that you can travel at on a road in perfect conditions.

However, road conditions are rarely perfect. As a safe driver, you’ll have to look out for changes in traffic, road and weather conditions, and reduce your speed accordingly.

Adjust your speed to the conditions

Traffic conditions

Traffic conditions that you might need to reduce your speed for include:

high volumes of traffic on the road
pedestrians, joggers and cyclists
holiday times when there are lots of visitors on the road
parked cars.

Road conditions

Road conditions you should reduce your speed for include:

bumpy or narrow areas on the road
wet, icy or gravel road surfaces
signs warning of hazards such as sharp curves or a slippery surface.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions you should reduce your speed for include:

rain, snow and ice
wind
fog
bright sunlight.

What happens when a speeding vehicle crashes?

A small change in speed can make a big difference to the outcome of a crash.

When a vehicle crashes, it undergoes a rapid change of speed. However, the occupants keep moving at the vehicle’s previous speed until they are stopped – either by hitting an object or by being restrained by a safety belt or airbag.

Human bodies are not designed to be hurled against objects at speed, and the faster the speed, the more severe the injuries.

RISK TO PEDESTRIANS

The speeds on a road impact how safe other road users feel to walk, bike, or travel with their children on that same road.

If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle the severity of their injuries is related to the impact speed.

The international accepted speed to greatly reduce the chances of a pedestrian being killed or seriously injured is 30km/h.

The probability of a pedestrian being killed rises as impact speed increases, it approximately doubles between 30km/h and 40km/h, and doubles again from 40km/h to 50km/h. The risk to vulnerable pedestrians, such as the elderly and young children, is even higher.

School & Buses

20kph past a stationary school bus

Signs operate on 7 day cycle come on when children are most likely to be travelling to or from school, can also be activated manually during the day if required due to activity at the school.

Current locations: MDC - Lake View School, Solway School, Masterton Primary School, Fernridge School, Mauriceville School, Tinui School, Johnston Street.

ROAD WORKER SAFETY

Roadworks are necessary to build new roads and keep our existing roads safe however, roadwork sites can be dangerous. You need to take extra care when driving through roadworks, this is for your safety and the safety of the road workers who are improving our roads.

Road workers are our friends, our family, and our colleagues and work in one of the most dangerous and vulnerable workplaces you could imagine. They deserve to have a safe workplace.

For more information on safe speeds see:

Know your speed - Know your speed limit

The Wairarapa Road Safety Council, in collaboration with Wellington District Police, has launched a new road safety campaign titled "Know Your Speed - Know Your Limit." Running through September and October, this initiative aims to dispel the dangerous belief that driving slightly over the speed limit is acceptable.

The campaign highlights the critical importance of adhering to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users. Key messages include reminders to respect urban speed limits (50 is 50), the necessity of slowing down to 20km/h when passing stationary school buses (20 is 20), adherence to reduced speed limits in school zones (40 is 40), and reinforcing speed limits on State Highway 2 and other rural roads (80 is 80).

Over the past three years, Wairarapa has witnessed numerous injuries and fatalities due to speed-related crashes. These statistics highlight the severe consequences that even minor increases in speed can have. Key messages of the campaign emphasize that a 5% decrease in speed can lead to a 10% reduction in injuries and a 20% reduction in fatalities. Posted speed limits are not targets, and there is zero tolerance for speeding. Small increases in speed endanger everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists, and higher speeds reduce reaction time to unexpected situations. Adhering to speed limits helps reduce road harm and ensures safe arrivals.

Holly Hullena, Projects Coordinator for the Wairarapa Road Safety Council, stated, "Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s crucial that we travel at safe speeds to protect each other and reduce unnecessary harm. We've seen what speeding can do—slow down and make our roads safer for everyone."

Bradley Allen, Road Policing Manager for Wellington District, added, "Just a few kilometers over the speed limit might not seem significant, but it can be the difference between life and death. Small decreases in speed can lead to substantial reductions in injuries and fatalities. Let's all commit to driving within the speed limits and making our roads safer."

The Wairarapa Road Safety Council urges all drivers to embrace this campaign. Remember, "Know Your Speed - Know Your Limit." By adhering to speed limits, you contribute to the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.

Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero!

The Wairarapa Road Safety Council supports Road Safety Week 2024 (20-26 May), themed "Be a Road Safety Hero." This week acknowledges everyone contributing to safer roads and assisting crash victims, from emergency services to community campaigners. It emphasizes that we all play a role in making journeys safer, promoting best practice examples of how we can change our behaviours for positive community outcomes.

Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero by understanding their responsibility for road safety. Celebrate those who reduce casualties and care for crash victims, and speak up for the right to safe, healthy journeys. Join the community of road safety heroes and make simple changes that lead to positive outcomes.

During Road Safety Week, schools can educate children and parents about road safety heroes and celebrate students who walk, cycle, or use public transport. Organizations can manage road risk through effective policies and driver training, recognizing internal heroes like health & safety staff. Emergency services and road safety professionals can highlight their efforts to reduce casualties. Individuals can pledge to use roads safely and advocate for healthy journeys.

Projects Coordinator, Wairarapa Road Safety Council Holly Hullena says "we can all get on board in some way to raise awareness of road safety".

"We all have to share our roading network to get to and from wherever we are destined to be. This includes our paths, so whether you are walking, cycling, a passenger or a driver - we all share a collective responsibility to look out for each other".

Wairarapa Road Safety Council are actively seeking feedback and thoughts from the community over road safety week. Bruce Pauling, Road Safety Manager will be hosting a stall in each town centre where locals can pick up goodies and information around all facets of road safety, even share thoughts in a short survey that could result in a lucky participant walking away with a $100 supermarket voucher.

Pauling says "Your thoughts as locals driving and travelling on our local roads daily, hold great insight and we would love to capture as much feedback as possible."

"From sharing your thoughts, we can advocate for safer roads for Wairarapa locals and visitors".

If you are not able to visit over road safety week, we have a link available so you can share your thoughts online - https://forms.gle/qSsNpfNMBHdSDzKG8 Entries close 31st May 2024.

Celebrate local road safety heroes, like school crossing patrols or those who campaigned for safe cycle paths. Share your gratitude for those who make a difference in your community.

Friday 24th of May is the 3rd Annual Yellow Day for Wairarapa in which businesses, schools, groups and organisations can dress in yellow to highlight road safety awareness. This year all photos shared on the Wairarapa Road Safety Council Facebook page will go in the draw to win a morning tea shout thanks to Ye Olde Bakehouse, Masterton.

Throughout the week, you can also pick up reflective back pack covers and first aid kits, puncture repair kits from our 5 town libraries or visiting My Ride or Cycling Tom Bike Shop in Masterton. While stocks last.

Winter Driving in Wairarapa & Beyond

Wairarapa is renowned for its changeable weather. You could drive from Masterton down to Pirinoa and back out to Martinborough and have 3 different sets of weather conditions... which means you should plan and prepare before you land yourself on an icy, wet or even snowbound road.

› Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for the latest road conditions - CHECK BEFORE YOU GO

› Dress for the conditions, carry additional warm clothes and keep a survival kit in your vehicle in case you do get stuck.
› Ensure your car is roadworthy and keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle in case you get diverted onto another route or you are forced to turn back. GIVE IT A TWIRL

WHEN YOU’RE ON THE ROAD

› Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
› Avoid sudden braking or turning that could cause you to skid. Accelerate smoothly and brake gently, and use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
› For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, pump the brake pedal in short rapid bursts rather than pressing long and hard to avoid skidding or sliding.
› Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule to ensure a safe distance between you and the car in front.

› When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

For latest winter driving conditions in your area check our links on our Roading Conditions Page or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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Wairarapa Road Safety Council