Sobering message For those who would drink & drive

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 467, 21 December 1992, Page 3

Sobering message For those who would drink & drive

By

Jan

Savell

Soldiers leaving the Waiouru Military Camp these days are greeted with the grisly sight of a smashed car complete with injured passenger. The display is part of the Army Training Group's efforts to reduce motor accidents at this time of year.

Each year a display is erected at the main gate to act as a drink/driving deterrent. Lt Aaron Couchman organised this year's display with Robert Vine generously loaning the vehicle, the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum providing the dummy and the Waiouru Hospital pitching in with fake blood to add realism. Staff Sergeant Wai Gordon of the military police believes it is the festive period before Christmas rather than the holiday period that causes the trouble in Waiouru. "The build up to Christmas is our biggest concern as far as drink driving goes. Everyone here in Waiouru is very aware of the problem." The Warrant Officers and Sergeant's Mess put on a minibus for each function. All the members take advantage of it and the Mess pays the cost. "Speed is the biggest killer in this area. At this time of year there's lots of vehicles on the road and we urge everyone to be very careful.," said SSgt Gordon.