Attempting to change behaviour and attitudes on our roads can be difficult without the support of our communities. Roadsafe Taranaki recognizes collaboration, partnerships and a shared goal creates opportunities to make our roads a safer place. This is why community groups, schools and road safety partners are needed to make positive change.
Schools & Community
What help can we get for a Road Safety Project?
Roadsafe Taranaki has a number of options to support and help schools or community groups with road safety projects. Check out our Campaign and Resources tab on the front page of our website to see what sort of resources and funding could be available for your project.
School Patrols
School Patrol training is managed by the New Zealand Police via the School Community Officers. Training of supervisors and students is usually undertaken in late Term 4 to prepare the students for Term 1 of the following year.
During the first four weeks of Term 1 Police target speed around schools with mobile patrols while the School Community Officers observe and complete revision if needed at each school patrol. Road Safety funds a celebration to say thank you to road patrol students in South Taranaki. Roadsafe Taranaki contributes to the celebrations for Stratford District road patrol students.
School Speed Zones
Speed around schools is a major road safety issue. Speed is not just about exceeding the posted speed limit, it is about going too fast for the conditions.
A school speed zone is an effective tool designed to slow traffic and increase driver awareness of the presence of children.
Rural School Safe Speeds
A number of Taranaki rural schools are situated within limited speed zones, however, many are still in rural areas that have a 100 km per hour limit. Creating a safe speed for schools while not detrimentally affecting other road users can have its challenges.
Roadsafe Taranaki has funded high-visibility vests for bus students to increase the visibility of students as they walk to and from the bus stops.
Driver Training
Roadsafe Taranaki funds an annual Advanced Driving Course for young or inexperienced drivers. This includes theory, interactive activities and two short practical courses on emergency braking and cornering. The venue is rotated between Hāwera and Stratford. The course will be advertised via radio, print, workplace and online in schools.
To register your interest for any future driving courses we may run, please send an email to one of our team.
Driver Licensing
Taranaki is a rural region with limited access to public transport. The region’s workforce is very reliant on agriculture and the oil and gas industry so being able to drive is crucial for employment and everyday life.
Roadsafe Taranaki supports a limited number of driver licensing programmes around the region. Contact us to find out who delivers a course that would suit your needs.
For those aged between 16 to 24 there are a number of agencies and organisations with funding and resources that are prepared to help you gain your driver licence.
How Can I Support Road Safety?
There are a number of ways you can support road safety in Taranaki. This includes:
- Support road safety events via your networks
- Include road safety during meetings/assemblies and include messages in any school newsletters
- Encourage staff to identify and report road safety risks then actively reduce or eliminate that risk
- Invite Roadsafe Taranaki to deliver a road safety activity into your school or community group
- Help fund a course or licensing programme that benefits young at risk drivers
Resources
Road safety education resources are available at no cost from Roadsafe Taranaki.