AA General Manager of Motoring Affairs Mike Noon also says that many parts of the country are forecast to get rain over the weekend, which will make driving more difficult.

"Make sure you're at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front if the roads are wet and if visibility is poor, turn your headlights on low beam so you're more easily seen by other motorists," he says.

"With winter upon us, people who are driving long distances should be prepared for the worst. As well as checking your oil, tyre pressure, and windscreen washer fluid, make sure you have blankets and water in your vehicle in case you get stuck anywhere."

Mr Noon reminds drivers that a significant number of accidents happen when drivers are tired or for some reason don't have their full attention on the road.

"It's a sad fact that a lot of crashes are preventable," he says. "Make sure you stay alert, take breaks and are considerate of other road users so we can all enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday weekend."

Drivers travelling on State Highway One between Puhoi and Warkworth on Friday afternoon will need to be particularly patient because they may encounter a slow moving convoy of North Rodney residents who are protesting against their inclusion in the Auckland Super City Council.

Mr Noon also reminds drivers throughout the country to keep to the speed limit with Police out in force and acting on a lower than usual speed enforcement threshold.

The AA has endorsed a UN resolution for a global Decade of Action for Road Safety and is working with government agencies to make sure New Zealand's new road safety strategy saves as many lives and prevents as many injuries as possible.

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager: Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
M. +64 21 659 704
Email: mnoon@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.