Safety campaigner backs T-plates for foreign drivers

T-plates for foreign drivers would probably make life easier for tourists as well as locals, says the car review website dogandlemon.com.

Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson, who is an outspoken road safety campaigner, says:

“Learner drivers in New Zealand must display L-plates. These plates warn everyone else on the road that the driver of a vehicle is inexperienced and likely to make mistakes. Many foreign drivers are also inexperienced and likely to make mistakes, so why shouldn’t they display T-plates?”

Matthew-Wilson dismisses the tourism industry’s claim that T-plates would ‘unfairly stigmatise all visitors.’

“Notifying locals that a driver is foreign, and therefore unfamiliar with local roads and conditions, is a good thing for everyone.”

“Most New Zealanders forgive minor mistakes by learner drivers. Most New Zealanders will also forgive minor mistakes by foreign drivers, provided they realise the driver is foreign. “

“If New Zealand drivers know a vehicle is being driven by a foreigner, they’re also far more likely to be more cautious when approaching or overtaking that vehicle.”

However, Matthew-Wilson believes a T-plate will be of limited value if it’s not backed up by a sixty-second computerised test that must be passed by all drivers before they rent or buy a vehicle in this country.

“The government is in denial about the risk posed by foreign drivers. Foreign drivers are 1% of the road fleet yet contribute to about 6% of death and injury accidents. In the South Island, overseas drivers make up a quarter or more of all road crashes.”

“However much the government and the tourism industry try and cover up the issue, there are countless foreign drivers who lack the skills to drive safely in this country. Until the government takes steps to keep these drivers off the road, the high rate of tourist accidents will continue.”

"Even though they may make mistakes while driving, tourists are generally really nice people. We owe it to these tourists to make sure their experience in this country is a safe and pleasant one."

Release ends.

For further information, please contact dogandlemon.com

ENDS

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