Nelson City Council

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Bad calls can be deadly. Do the right thing at intersections.

 Intersection crashes are a major road safety problem in the Nelson region. Police crash reports show that over two thirds of intersection crashes in Nelson Bays were caused by drivers either failing to give way, failing to stop or poor observation. Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, and the New Zealand Transport Agency - bring you the following information on intersection crashes, black spots, roundabout use, and general road safety. And remember to always be aware of cyclists moving through intersections and roundabouts.

Statistics about our region

Last year alone there were 266 crashes at intersections in Nelson and Tasman.

Data from the New Zealand Transport Agency for the Nelson region between 2004 and 2008 shows that in Nelson city

• 1024 injury and non injury crashes (51% of all crashes) occurred at intersections and driveways. 
• 300 injury crashes (54% of all injury crashes)  happened at intersections and driveways.
• Intersection and driveway crashes during this timeframe across the region resulted in 9 deaths, 65  serious injuries and 257 minor injuries.

Crash hotspots

Waimea Road and The Ridgeway, Stoke

The main problem with this intersection, which has a significant crash history, is that the right turning vehicles from The Ridgeway onto Waimea Road collide with south-bound Waimea Road traffic. Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this intersection

• If you are turning right from The Ridgeway into the Waimea Road merge lane, check that traffic coming in any direction is not obscured by moving vehicles. If you are not certain, WAIT.
• Don't misjudge the speed of cars coming down the hill from town on Waimea - select your gap carefully! Remember, this is a 70km/h area.
• Merge like a zip
• Indicate your intentions with your signal well in advance, especially if you are Ridgeway bound traffic from town.
• Giving way - traffic from the south turning right onto The Ridgeway must give way to traffic coming out of The Ridgeway. Remember, traffic turning right on the drivers right has priority.

Halifax Street and Haven Road roundabout

This intersection is the number two urban crash hotspot in Nelson City. Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this roundabout

• There are arrows in approach lanes at this roundabout, so pay attention and follow the arrows
• Two lanes are marnnked for exiting traffic in this roundabout, motorists must obey these markings

Roundabout safety

Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing, but they still have rules.

1. Give way to traffic coming from your right
2. Select the correct lane for your travel path before entering the roundabout
3. Signal your intentions! It is very important to signal a left turn before the exit you wish to take
4. Slow on approach and be prepared to stop prior to entering any roundabout

Annesbrook Drive and Whakatu Drive roundabout

Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this roundabout

• Drivers approaching this roundabout from Waimea Road need to take notice of the signs and get into the correct lane before passing under the Stafford Avenue overbridge.
• This roundabout has spiral markings that show what lanes vehicles should travel in when moving through the intersection

Whakatu Drive and Quarantine Road roundabout

Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this roundabout

• This roundabout features signs before the Nayland Road overbridge and arrows marking the approach lanes that must be followed.
• There are two lanes marked for city bound traffic heading toward town; obey these lanes and observe normal changing procedures

Quarantine Road and Nayland Road roundabout

Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this roundabout

• This intersection features cross hatchings where Pascoe Street meets Quarantine Road on the way toward the airport. You must not block an intersection or driveway marked with cross hatching.
• There are cycle crossing points in the vicinity of this roundabout, although cycle lanes are now off-road.
• Select the correct lane and follow your way through this intersection, especially if approaching Pascoe Street.

Whakatu Drive, Link Road, and Richmond Deviation

Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view (opens into a new window).

Solutions to avoid crashes at this roundabout

This is a multi-laned roundabout, so drivers must pay attention to be in the lane they require, and stay in that lane while moving through the roundabout. If you need to cross a lane line near an exit, indicate and give way to any vehicles in the lane that you want to enter.

Intersection brochure

Find out much more detail on the roundabouts and other road safety information in the Council's annual intersection safety publication. Open the Intersection Safety publication (PDF @ 5MB).