Special response teams are on call around the country helping trucking companies during accidents and emergencies.
Insurance company NZI held a crash scene assistance demonstration at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek this month to highlight the important role the service plays during such a crisis.
In recent years, deaths from crashes involving trucks have made up around 20% of the total road toll in New Zealand, while only 6% of the total distance travelled on New Zealand roads are travelled by trucks.
NZI national portfolio manager of commercial motor Ian Taylor says trucks are overrepresented in serious crashes because of their large mass.
“Often it’s not a truck driver at fault, but these crashes can be hugely traumatic for them because of the damage they can do with their vehicle,” he says.
Sometimes it’s enough to force truck drivers off the road completely and this is one of the reasons why NZI has introduced a crash scene assistance service to help in these situations.
“It’s crucial truck drivers have access to the right people immediately after a crash to get them out of harm’s way and take care of the clean-up so drivers can focus solely on getting the emotional support they often need,” Taylor says.
The company’s 24/7 crash scene response team operates around the country and whether it’s Te Puke or Te Anau they will be on site as soon as possible.
An automatic response hotline is available for drivers to call immediately after an accident and the NZI team takes over from there.
“As well as salvaging your vehicle, we’ll take care of any road clean-up, environmental issues, and driver support that’s needed.”
Such a service is also crucial as congestion is becoming an increasing issue on New Zealand roads.
The crash assistance team works alongside police and fire services to clear a crash scene safely, efficiently and by minimising traffic disruption.
The NZI crash scene assistance number is 0800 1111 08.
