One in three drivers have come close to a crash in the last six months, an AA survey has found.

The AA surveyed a random sample of 1012 of our Members throughout the country about their recent driving experiences.

The survey found that:

• 367 (36.2%) people had experienced a near-miss (almost crash)
• 45 people (4.4%) had been involved in a crash involving an insurance claim or the Police
• 5 people (0.5%) had been involved in a crash resulting in an injury
• 148 people (14.6%) had used their cellphone while driving

“The high number of people who said they have had a near miss was quite surprising,” says AA spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.

“When you have 36% of people feeling they have come close to a crash and 4% being involved in one within six months, it’s a massive reminder for everyone to not take risks on our roads.”

Another of the survey’s questions revealed that 34% of people admitted to being surprised by a vehicle that seemed to come out of nowhere. It reinforces how important it is for people to make sure they can see and be seen on the roads as we head into the Queen’s Birthday holiday weekend and the darker days of winter.

“The AA recommends that every driver use their headlights during the day if it’s a bit grey or murky. It will make your vehicle a lot easier for other people to see at a glance, and research has shown it reduces your crash risk.

“Winter driving means lower visibility and wetter roads, so keeping a safe following distance is even more important. If it has been raining or frosty, drivers should be doubling their following distance to four seconds so they have more time to stop in an emergency.”

The AA’s Queen’s Birthday weekend tips for staying safe on the roads:

• Use your headlights during the day
• Be wary of sun-strike
• Increase your following distance
• Make sure your tyre tread depth is more than 2mm

For more information contact:

Dylan Thomsen
Communications adviser
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. (04) 931 9991
M. 027 703 9935
Email: dthomsen@aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.