Look for the signs! Look for the intersections! In Canterbury we have thousands of kilometres of beautiful long straight roads. Along these nice long straight roads are numerous X and T intersections.
Shelter belts and rural fence lines can give the impression that the road goes on forever, and that is when stop and give way signs can blend into the surroundings if we are not paying attention.
These X and T intersections can be hard to see, particularly going into the winter months with the sun lower and more overcast days.
Unfortunately, in Canterbury, the mistakes we make at these intersections cost us far too many lives and cause far too many injuries.
When we drive on a 50km/h road we can take in a lot more of what is happening around us - pedestrians, signs, other cars, and the road layout.
Whether you are heading up to the ski fields, going somewhere new or passing through a familiar area, enjoy the scenery and the music you have playing, but make sure your prime focus is on the road and what is coming up.
On our open road though, when we are driving at 100km/h, tunnel vision can be a factor - our field of vision gets narrower and we take in less of what is around us.
Look for the signs, look for the intersections and pay attention, even if you have the right of way.
1: Aapprox. 180 meters from Stop Sign. 100km/h road.
Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie
2: Same intersection - approx. 40 meters from Stop Sign
Canterbury Highway Patrol – Serious Crash Unit Page 39
