NZ drivers worse than foreign drivers - Ministry

Emergency services at a crash scene.

New Zealand drivers are crashing at higher rates than drivers visiting this country, Ministry of Transport data shows.

While exact information about the number of foreign drivers on New Zealand roads is not available, it provides enough information to suggest visitors to the country are less likely to crash.

And despite tourist visitor numbers continuing to rise, the number of crashes involving foreign drivers has not risen to match.

The data dispels the myth that overseas tourists are an increased danger on New Zealand roads.

Fatal crashes compared to international rental users:

Ministry of Transport manager of mobility and safety Brent Johnston says the rates of overseas drivers in crashes was dropping, despite perceptions otherwise.

"We do know that many of the reasons that visitors are crashing are exactly the same as the contributing factors that are often cited or experienced in crashes involving just Kiwis as well.

"Interestingly, for both New Zealand and overseas drivers, failing to keep left, the rate at which that's cited as the contributing factor, that's increased for Kiwis and overseas licence holders over the last five years."

The data released by the Ministry of Transport shows that of the 378 road deaths in 2017, 34 people perished in 25 crashes which involved a foreign driver.

Rate of crashes:

In 18 of those crashes, the foreign driver was at fault, but in just five were they deemed to have failed to adjust to New Zealand roads.

Most tourists to New Zealand land in Auckland, and between 2013 and 2017 a third of nationwide crashes involving foreign drivers happened in the city.

They were at fault for just three percent of all crashes during that period.

Nationwide, foreign drivers were involved in just under four per cent of crashes in 2017, but in the West Coast that figure was 43 per cent between 2013 and 2017.

Queenstown (33 per cent) and Southland (23 per cent) also had a high proportion of road crashes involving foreign drivers.

Inspector Peter McKennie of the National Road Policing Centre says the numbers showed tourist drivers were not a major issue on our roads.

"In the majority of cases the contributing factors are the same as crashes involving New Zealand drivers.

"That is why New Zealand Police maintains our focus on the four behaviours that we know through evidence are the main contributors of death and serious injury on our roads."

Where crashes happen:

These are speed, driving while impaired (drugs or fatigue), distractions, and not wearing seatbelts.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall says they worked with the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport on educating drivers before the come here.

"Driving in New Zealand is different.

"You know, we have narrower roads, more corners, they're more windy; you need to drive on the left, never drive when you're tired, make sure you take plenty of breaks.

"Take your time. I mean, you are on holiday, so slow down and enjoy the view."

Stephen he's working with a rental company in China to educate potential visitors about New Zealand roads.

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3 comments

Correct

Posted on 23-01-2019 13:21 | By clingon

After just spending 2 weeks in Manila with so many vehicles on the roads including trucks, jeepneys motor bikes tricycles and people everywhere I agree that nz drivers are more aggressive, faster and have more crashes than the Philippines at least. I saw no crashes while I was there and we are talking 6 lane highways going each way, to alleyways barely wide enough to take a car, with vehicles and pedestrians coming from all directions: drivers had one hand on the horn and the other flashing the lights but if someone wanted to change lanes or merge or cross the road courtesy was shown and what appeared as organized chaos actually worked. And there was not much seat belt compliance either.The aggressive nature of some nz drivers at lights and roundabouts leaves a lot to be desired...


Shock horror

Posted on 23-01-2019 13:38 | By Slim Shady

I’ve been telling them that for years. Amongst the worst in the world, and some of those with higher rates having terrible infrastructure to cope with. Nah, it’s Kiwi macho attitude at fault, including many women. Simple as.


What Road Rules?

Posted on 23-01-2019 20:58 | By R1Squid

There once was a rule that required road uses to keep left at all times. Even one wheel over the centre line and if caught, resulted in a court appearance on the charge of dangerous driving - usually resulting in a large fine and loss of licence. Seems drivers are able to keep within their lanes anymore. Also, at every phase of the traffic lights at Totara Street turning right on to SH2, there will be at least one driver (professional or other) running a Red Light. Absolutely nobody observes the 50Km speed limit in the work zones unless traffic congestion is such that it is not possible to go any faster. Sadly, they get away with it because there is no policing.


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