Holiday traffic will be building all day on Christmas Eve and will again be extra heavy on Boxing Day. The AA wants people to allow extra time for journeys and to be extra patient and courteous to other drivers.

“Give yourself some room for delays and set a realistic arrival time for your trip. Allow plenty of time for breaks and refreshment stops,” says AA General Manager of Motoring Affairs Mike Noon.

The AA wants everyone to remember the ABCs of driving throughout the holiday period:

• stay Alert
• take Breaks
• be Considerate

Mr Noon says if we could all do those three things the road would be a safer and more pleasant place to be.

“Drivers who are wide awake, not impaired by alcohol or drugs, and completely focussed on the task of driving, are far less likely to crash. Don’t ever ignore the signs of fatigue - take plenty of breaks and share the driving if you can. Also don’t let distractions like cell phones, the stereo, or attention-seeking children take your attention away from the road.

He encourages people to show plenty of consideration and courtesy towards others.

“Letting other drivers in with a smile and a wave really helps to create a calmer environment on the road, where everyone’s showing that they’re thinking of others. Give cyclists and pedestrians lots of space, and especially watch out for children on bikes in holiday areas.”

The AA reminds people to check their warrant, tyre pressure, oil and windscreen washer fluid before they leave; to take water bottles in case they get stuck in a traffic jam; and to drive with headlights on dip in the daytime to increase their visibility to other motorists.

The AA wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday drive.

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 931 9984
M. +64 21 659 704
Email: mnoon@aa.co.nz