Ghost your mates - Remove distractions when driving
"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.”
The Stats Behind the Message
According to Waka Kotahi, driver distraction contributes to approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in New Zealand. Locally, Wairarapa has seen a troubling trend:
- Young drivers (16–24) and tradies (particularly males aged 20–39) are consistently among the highest groups involved in distraction-related crashes.
- ACC data shows that distraction-related injuries cost over $83 million nationally in 2022 alone.
“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.”
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.”
The Stats Behind the Message
According to Waka Kotahi, driver distraction contributes to approximately 8% of all fatal crashes in New Zealand. Locally, Wairarapa has seen a troubling trend:
- Young drivers (16–24) and tradies (particularly males aged 20–39) are consistently among the highest groups involved in distraction-related crashes.
- ACC data shows that distraction-related injuries cost over $83 million nationally in 2022 alone.
“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.”
Thursday 1st of May 2025