Published Date: 9th Jan 2025

Positive Vibes at AMI Driver Reviver

A sunny patch of grass in Fairlie on State Highway 8 on Saturday 21 December was the site of a community risk reduction event aimed at preventing fatigue-related driving accidents. Drivers from Canterbury, Auckland, Italy, Britain, Korea, Singapore, India, Colombia, Canada and the United States stopped over a 3-hour period and were treated to a free BBQ sausage, barista-made coffee or snack while taking a rest.

The Fairlie Driver Reviver event was run by AMI’s Community Risk team, in partnership with South Canterbury Road Safety, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, Multicultural Aoraki and South Canterbury Child Restraints, as well as support from Fulton Hogan, New Zealand Transport Agency and Satisfy Food Rescue.

New Zealand Police conducted over 300 breath tests during the same period and encouraged drivers to pull in and take a break. Stalls with information and giveaways provided education on the importance of taking regular breaks, and other useful driving reminders for the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Inspector Vicki Walker, New Zealand Police Area Commander for Aoraki, says the South Canterbury roading network is extensive and in places challenging.

“With many vehicles on the road it’s deceptive to think that travel through the area can be done in a few hours. People need to plan to take rest breaks and enjoy the journey. The driver reviver event was an excellent way of connecting with people and delivering this message to keep our roads safe.”

Feedback from international visitors was positive, with many saying that this type of community-based collaboration was not something seen in their home countries. Others remarked that the driver reviver was timely, having taken a long detour after a fatal crash on State Highway 6 near Kingston in Central Otago just a couple of days earlier.

AMI Community Lead, Gary Rennie, says the Driver Reviver events are an engaging way to talk to travellers about driver fatigue while supporting them to take a break and recharge.

“We see a 34% increase in vehicle collision claims due to driver fatigue and sleepiness during summertime, which is why it’s so important for us to raise awareness of ways to stay alert on the road.”

The Fairlie event was a great way to end the year with a positive and engaging experience, coinciding with the lowest holiday road toll since 2020. Plans are already underway to run another AMI Driver Reviver in Mid and South Canterbury during Easter weekend.