The best present drivers can give each other this Christmas is safe driving by being considerate, consistent and careful on corners, says the Automobile Association.

As enjoyable as the silly season is, it can also be stressful for motorists dealing with long drives, traffic delays and bored kids. Frustrated and distracted drivers are more of a risk on the roads so the AA is urging everyone to keep the following tips in mind to help make your driving more relaxed, enjoyable and safe:

• Be considerate of others by keeping a good following distance
• Be consistent with your speed - not too fast, not too slow
• Be careful on corners

“It goes without saying that drivers need to be  focussed on driving when they get behind the wheel and not tired, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or distracted by things like using a cellphone,” says AA Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

“But we’re encouraging drivers to focus on three things to make everyone’s summer driving as safe and enjoyable as possible.

“As we head into the busiest time on the roads being aware and considerate of other motorists becomes even more important and one of the best ways a driver can do this is through keeping a good following distance.

“Tail-gating a vehicle in front of you gives you less time to react to the unexpected, annoys the driver in front and is likely to cost you more fuel due to unnecessarily heavy braking and acceleration – so keep at least a two-second safety buffer between you and the car in front and increase this to at least four-seconds in the wet.

“Matching your speed to the conditions and the traffic flow around you is another important tip. The risks of speeding in peak holiday traffic should be crystal clear to every driver and a lower speed tolerance will be in force again this holiday period meaning anyone going more than 4kmh over the limit will be at risk of a ticket.

“Going slower than other vehicles can cause problems as well though. Drivers behind you can get frustrated and then try risky overtaking manoeuvres, so if you are travelling slower or towing make sure you pull over and let others pass as often as possible.

“Driving at the appropriate speed on corners is especially important as the majority of crashes occur due to drivers losing control on a bend. Slow down and brake before you get to the corner and pay attention to the speed advisory signs, which indicate the safe speed to take the corner at in good road conditions. If it is wet take even more care.”

The AA wishes everyone happy and safe holiday driving.

For more information contact:

Mike Noon
General Manager: Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. (04) 931 9984
M. 021 659 704
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.