Driving In Winter?

With the effects of winter being well and truly felt over the last month, driving on New Zealand’s roads can become extremely challenging. Our roads are not like the expressways of Europe. Our weather can be quite hazardous at times. Road conditions can vary significantly.

“Kiwis think they’re used to New Zealand’s roads, so they tend to drive fast - too fast”, says Ben McFadgen, CEO of the Rental Vehicle Association of New Zealand. “Whether it's people driving their own car, or a rental vehicle, the speed which many people are driving at is not just reckless – it’s flat out dangerous. This is not Le Mans. One distraction and a nice family holiday rapidly becomes a nightmare. Is three-minutes worth your safety? Really? Because driving at 105 kph instead of 100 kph for one hour only saves you 3 minutes and 4 seconds. Which is …pointless. We urge everyone to slow down, drive to the conditions, and take some time to enjoy the journey. There’s plenty to look at.”

International tourists may find some roads quite challenging to navigate, especially in areas that have experienced severe weather events. “It pays to plan ahead”, says Mr McFadgen, “we recommend all travellers have an alternative route they can use, just in case”.

Ski access roads also present their own unique challenges, not the least of which is navigating them when drivers are coming back down at the end of the day. “Brakes can be a problem”, says Mr McFadgen, “drivers tend to ride them all the way down, leading to very high temperatures and a distinct possibility of brake fade. We recommend people descend these steep, hazardous roads slowly and carefully.”

“In short, drive defensively. Be considerate, stick to the conditions.” Says Mr McFadgen.

Information on driving in New Zealand is freely available on the Drive Safe website: drivesafe.org.nz. RVA rental operators also assess each renter to ensure this information is provided where appropriate to ensure safer journeys on our roads.

© Scoop Media