FATIGUE &
DISTRACTION
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PHONES &
DISTRACTION
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LONG DISTANCE
DRIVING
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In Wairarapa, there's a growing call for drivers—especially young people and tradies—to rethink their habits behind the wheel. With many tradies relying on their phones for job updates and navigation, and young drivers feeling the pull of constant social connection, mobile phone use while driving has become a serious safety concern. Both groups are overrepresented in distraction-related crashes, highlighting the urgent need to put safety first.
The message is simple: Your phone can wait. The road can’t. Drivers are urged to set their devices to Do Not Disturb, use hands-free only when absolutely necessary, and pull over safely if a call or message truly can’t wait. "Ghost your phone"— treat it like it doesn’t exist when you're driving. Beyond the $150 fine and 20 demerit points for illegal use, the real cost could be a life.
Over 70% of all fatal and serious crashes on State Highways involved poor observation or inattention.This includes factors such as distraction, delayed reaction times, and failure to notice key hazards.-
Fatigue was a contributing factor in approximately 20% of all fatal and serious crashes on local roads.Long travel distances and rural driving conditions increase the risk of fatigue-related incidents.-
17% of all fatal and serious crashes on State Highways involved driver fatigue.
These crashes often occur on longer stretches of road with minimal traffic, where drivers may become drowsy or lose focus.
Note: Fatigue and distraction are often underreported in crash statistics, as they are difficult to identify post-crash. Actual figures may be higher.
Fatigue is more than just falling asleep at the wheel. It includes physical and mental exhaustion that reduces your ability to drive safely. You can be dangerously fatigued without even realising it.
Fatigue is a leading cause of single-vehicle crashes, especially in rural areas like Wairarapa. These often involve vehicles leaving the road and colliding with trees, fences, or other fixed objects.
Using a mobile phone while driving is both illegal and dangerous. In Wairarapa, distraction-related crashes are a growing concern, particularly on open roads where drivers may feel a false sense of security.
Using a mobile phone while driving can result in a $150 fine and 20 demerit points.
Driving at high speeds when fatigued significantly increases crash risk. At higher speeds, you have less time to react, and fatigue slows your response even further. This combination is especially dangerous on rural roads and highways common in the Wairarapa region.
"Ghost Your Mates” Campaign Launches in Wairarapa to Curb Distracted Driving Among Tradies and Young Drivers.
The Wairarapa Road Safety Council, in partnership with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and ACC AND Police, is launching a regional push of the national “Ghost Your Mates” and “Have a Hmmm” campaigns to tackle distracted driving—especially among young drivers and tradies, who continue to be overrepresented in crash statistics across the region.
The campaign encourages drivers to put their phones down and ghost their mates while behind the wheel—sending a strong message that no text or notification is worth a life.
“We’re not here to scare people—we’re here to be real, says Holly Hullena, Projects Coordinator for the Wairarapa Road Safety Council.
“We know that young drivers and tradies are often juggling a lot—work pressures, social connections, schedules—and the temptation to check a phone while driving is real. But so are the consequences.”
According to Waka Kotahi, driver distraction contributes to approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in New Zealand. Locally, Wairarapa has seen a troubling trend:
“These aren’t just numbers,” says Hullena. “Every crash has a ripple effect. It’s not just about the driver—it’s about their family, their crew, their mates. When someone gets hurt or worse, it’s a whole community that feels it.”
“If you wouldn’t check your phone while using a power saw or standing on scaffolding, why do it at 100km/h?” Hullena asks. “Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do every day, and yet we treat it casually. It’s time to shift that mindset.”
“Have a Hmmm” Before You Pick Up the Phone
The “Have a Hmmm” campaign, developed by Waka Kotahi, encourages people to pause and think about the consequences of their actions before they happen. It’s not about shame—it’s about self-awareness and responsibility.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe,” Hullena says. “Whether you’re heading to the next job site or picking up your mates, your phone can wait. Ghost your mates while you’re driving—they’ll understand, and they’ll thank you for it.”
ACC: https://www.acc.co.nz/newsroom/stories/ghost-your-mates-to-stay-safe-at-the-wheel
Wairarapa’s scenic routes attract many visitors and long-distance drivers, especially during holiday periods. These trips often involve:
TAKE IT SERIOUSLY Whether you're commuting locally or taking a long trip across the region, fatigue and distraction can have fatal consequences. Stay alert, plan your journey, and never underestimate the impact of tiredness behind the wheel.
For more information and safety resources, visit the official Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website.
