1 June 2011

The AA is urging motorists to keep up the good work this Queen’s Birthday weekend.

The road toll so far this year has dropped markedly, with 117 deaths as at 1 June compared to 180 at the same time last year. If we can keep that trend going for the second half of the year, New Zealand will have its lowest number of road deaths since the early 1950s – when there were six times fewer vehicles on the roads and the population was only two million.

There was only one death last Queen’s Birthday weekend, showing it is possible to have a holiday weekend with a very low road toll, and the AA would love to see that number even fall one further this year.

“No one dying or being seriously hurt on the roads this weekend is what we all hope to see,” says Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

“The AA isn’t sure why this year’s road toll has suddenly dropped so significantly and we suspect it is due to a number of factors including more awareness of road safety and the need for drivers to be attentive to driving at all times as well as higher fuel prices reducing trips and influencing driving styles. But whatever the reason, less deaths on our roads so far this year is a fantastic result and we want it to continue.

“Let’s aim for headlines on Tuesday after the long weekend saying ‘No road deaths on Queen’s Birthday weekend’.”

Motorists should be aware that the police will once again be out in force over the holiday weekend and reducing their tolerance for drivers going over the speed limit to 5kph, but the AA continues to be concerned that drivers think the only people who crash are those who excessively speed or drink drive.

“Police data actually shows poor observation by drivers is the most common factor in crashes and this is something we all can control,” says Mr Noon.

“Things that can seem minor like pushing on when we are tired and losing focus, letting our attention be briefly distracted or drifting across the centre line on a corner can be all it takes to have a crash with potentially fatal consequences,” says Mr Noon.

“Driving tends to become automatic over time but we need to change that culture and make sure we keep attentive, aware of what we are doing and what others are doing around us and make the best choices to keep all of us safe.”

“A recent AA Insurance survey showed the most common frustration for motorists is inattentive drivers, so let’s all aim to be more aware and attentive when driving and more considerate of others on the road this weekend.”

AA tips for safe holiday driving to reduce your risk of a crash:
• Remember the ABCs for safe driving: stay Alert, take Breaks and be Considerate.
• Get a good night’s rest and don’t drive when you are tired
• We are now into winter so there is more chance of bad weather and less hours of sunlight. Increase your following distance if roads are wet or if visibility is poor.
• Take breaks at least every two hours and, if you can, share the driving on longer journeys.
• Beware of sun strike particularly in the morning and evening. Keep your windscreen clean and try to anticipate when to use your visor before the sun strikes your windscreen.
• Before a long journey check your warrant, tyre pressure, oil and windscreen washer fluid.
• Drive with your headlights on in the daytime, especially if light conditions are poor, to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Go with the flow in traffic. Don’t try to go faster than the main flow of vehicles as it won’t save you time but will increase your risk if passing. If you are towing or travelling slower than the main traffic flow pull over regularly to let others safely past.
• If you’re riding a motorcycle this weekend, wear bright and reflective clothing so you’re easily seen.
• Find more safe driving tips on the AA website

ENDS

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