New Zealand to invest into rural highway blind spots

The New Zealand government revealed on Thursday that it has allocated 600 million dollars or 430 million U.S. dollars on rural highway blind spots, an action to check fatal and increasing accidents on the rural roads.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said 600 million dollar worth of measures are to be put in place over the next six years, including more side barriers, rumble strips and centerlines, on the rural roads where eighty percent of fatal crashes on New Zealand roads occur.

Overall it's hoped the funding will save the lives, or stop the serious injuries of 900 motorists over the next decade.

Accidents involving international tourists often make headlines on local media, sparking an outcry for more restrictions on foreign drivers.

"It's not aimed at the tourist drivers. Many know the numbers there, in proportion to the number of tourist drivers is not significantly higher," said the minister.

"In Waitomo, for example, we've seen some tourist incidents, and we've seen some other crashes and fatalities throughout the years, so the improvements will make a difference."

The Automobile Association has labeled the announcement a "great day" for road safety in New Zealand.

"It's great to see the government taking strong action that will greatly improve road safety on our highest risk rural State Highways," motoring affairs general manager Mike Noon was quoted by Newhub as saying. Endit