Safe Driving Tips

Safe driving tips and information are designed to help you become a better New Zealand driver.

Planning a long journey

Planning a long journey in the car. Here are some hints for safer motoring.

In case of an accident

Even if we're safe and careful drivers ourselves, motoring conditions over the holiday season bring additional risk of accidents. These are the steps to take if an accident occurs and you are part of it.

Using your GPS safely

Find your way with a Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS devices can be very useful especially when you are in an unfamiliar area or don’t know where you are going.

Summer weather driving tips

Staying safe on the roads when the heat is on. Summer road trips are very common in New Zealand, whether it’s a family holiday or a group of friends hitting the beach.

Winter weather driving tips

Drive to survive this winter, get the run down on safe driving for the conditions. Winter is the most dangerous time of year for driving.

Maintain a proper driving position for a safe journey

Driving long distances can cause physical discomfort and pain. Part of this is due to being in a single position for a long period of time with little ability to move. The other part is the actual position you sit in.

Defensive driving techniques and tips

Defensive driving is focussed on preparing the driver for the risks associated with driving by teaching awareness and good risk identification.

Eliminate blind spots

Blind spots are the cause of many accidents; both minor dings and major crashes. Checking your blind spots before you merge lanes, overtake or turn, should be a standard driving technique.

Driving safely in snow and icy conditions

Driving in winter presents a number of challenges especially when you are dealing with snow and ice. New Zealand’s winter is no stranger to some wild weather. Driving in these conditions can be dangerous.

How to deal with road rage, so it doesn't deal with you

With roads becoming increasingly crowded and with more and more road users sharing the space, road rage has become a serious problem.

Safe driving at night tips

Driving at night is significantly more dangerous than driving during the day. In fact, driving in any conditions where your vision is impaired at all, increases the risk of having an accident.

Seatbelt and car seat safety

Wearing a safety belt reduces the chance of severe or fatal injury by around 40%*. Whether you are in the front or the back seat, driver or passenger a seat belt can be the difference between life and death.

Unsealed road driving safety tips

In New Zealand, driving on an unsealed road is common in many rural areas. It can also mean driving on a beach, farm, through bush tracks, leisure 4-wheel driving, through rivers or in boggy conditions.

Towing a trailer tips

Driving a vehicle with a trailer in tow can be a little tricky. A trailer adds weight and length to your vehicle and, on top of that, a significant sway you won’t be used to.

Risk of push starting your car

We have all been there, stranded with a dead battery and no jumper leads to kick start the car back into life. Typically it’s when you’re already running late for work, when you’re on your way to the airport or at some other equally inappropriate time to break down.

Dangers of driving when distracted

We all know the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding or driving when tired.

Driving safely with cyclists

When it comes to road safety all road users have a responsibility to be conscious and mindful of others on the road.

Preparing a vehicle safety kit

You never know when the unexpected can leave you stranded, so it pays to be prepared.

Safe driving on New Zealand roads

In New Zealand there are road rules and most drivers are considerate. So why are the roads considered to be so dangerous.

What to do after an accident

Chances are at some point in your life you will be confronted with or involved in a motor vehicle accident. Whether minor or major, there are certain things you can do to help the situation for yourself and others involved.