Stay safe on the roads this holiday weekend

Media Release:  19 October 2010

Stay safe on the roads this holiday weekend

If you’re driving this weekend, be fit for the journey by making sure you’re well rested before you leave and allow plenty of time for breaks on the way, says AA General Manager Motoring Affairs Mike Noon.

“The roads will be busy, people will be driving long distances and there will be plenty of potential distractions.

“Poor observation is the most common factor in crashes – so keep your attention on the road and your driving so you and your passengers arrive safely,” he says.

Police will be out in force this weekend to keep speeds down and they will be ticketing drivers who are 4kph over the posted limit.

“The Police crackdown on speed will hopefully get people paying extra attention to their driving,” says Mr Noon.

“If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, take careful note of changing speed zones so you don’t get caught out by the lower speed threshold.  If you’re over the limit on a speed camera, there’s no discretion, you’ll have to pay the fine.”

He says motorists on open roads need to also be vigilant of ‘speed creep’, particularly when going down hill.

“If you have it, you can use cruise control to help you keep to the speed limit, but don’t use it if you think it makes you pay less attention to your driving or if you’re tired,” he says.

As well as watching speeds, police will be ticketing drivers who are not keeping left. 

“The Police will be watching for drivers who cut corners, so don’t be lazy – it’s dangerous and at the very least it could cost you a $150 fine.”

Mr Noon says the AA hopes the Police will use their discretion on the roads this weekend and truly focus on dangerous driving.

“We don’t want police ticketing at the end of passing lanes or ticketing drivers who are on our safest motorways but whose speed has crept a few kilometres over the limit. The Association also wants police to keep traffic moving by pulling over and having a talk to slow drivers who are holding up and frustrating other drivers. 

“It would be fantastic if we can get through this busy weekend with no one being killed on our roads. 

“Labour Weekend is a busy time on our roads and we can all contribute to a safer and more pleasant holiday drive by being more considerate of other road users,” he says.

AA’s tips for keeping safe this weekend:
 

·         Before heading off, check your warrant, tyre tread and pressures, oil and windscreen washer fluid.

·         Keep the ABCs of driving in mind throughout the holiday weekend – stay Alert, take Breaks and be Considerate of other road users. 

·         If you’ve had a good sleep the night before you’ll be safer driving the next day.

·         Keep a safe following distance.

·         Turn your headlights on dip (i.e. not full beam) during the day to be more easily seen by other drivers.

·         If possible, wait for a passing lane to pass slower vehicles.

·         If you’re a motorcyclist – wear good safety gear and ideally bright and reflective clothing, make sure your bike is well maintained, allow time to have breaks on long journeys and don’t take unnecessary risks.

For more safe driving tips see www.aa.co.nz

 
ends

© Scoop Media