Thinking about buying a new car? You should check out the Decepta car that will be on display outside Te Whare Whakatere for a week from Monday 22 April.

The car features in a widespread media campaign encouraging consumers to look at safety ratings when buying a new car. It shows the extensive damage that can occur in cars with low safety ratings.

Along with other road safety groups in the Canterbury region, the Ashburton District Council is involved in promotions and campaigns to educate drivers on the importance of car safety ratings.

Group Manager Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said the more safety stars that a vehicle had, the safer its occupants were.

“The Decepta will be on show at Baring Square East for the whole week until Saturday and we hope people will visit and see what happens when a 1-star car crashes. I’d encourage young people especially to have a look, and bring their parents.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says people are twice as likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash in a 1-star or 2-star than in a 5-star vehicle.

People checking out the Decepta can also come into Te Whare Whakatere and enter a competition that could win them a ride around Highland Motor Park with Hayden Paddon – all they have to do is answer an easy question about driving while tired.