ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The original Road Safety Driving Tips booklet was published in 1996 by
the Taranaki Road Safety Coordinating Committee with the support of
the following:
• Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
• New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
• New Zealand Police
• New Zealand Automobile Association
• Road Transport Association
• Taranaki District Health Board
• Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind.

This version was updated and printed in 2015 by:

Roadsafe Taranaki
c/- South Taranaki District Council
Albion Street
Private Bag 902
Hawera 4610
Phone 0800 111 323
DISCLAIMER
Information in this booklet has been obtained from the New Zealand
Road Code and the NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz.

Roadsafe Taranaki has endeavoured to ensure the material in this

booklet is technically accurate and reflects legal requirements at
the date of publication. Please note the information in this booklet
does not override governing legislation and Roadsafe Taranaki does
not accept liability for any consequences arising from the use of this
booklet.

If you are unsure whether the content is correct please refer to the
latest Road Code or contact the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
CONTENTS
THE DRIVER 6
Seat Belts 6
Vision 7
Hearing 7
Classes of Driver Licence 7
Renewing Your Licence from Age 75 8
Cell Phones 9
Legal Alcohol Limits for Driving 9
Driver Fatigue 10
YOUR VEHICLE 11
Space-Saver Wheels 11
Loading Your Trailer Safely 12
DRIVING 13
Car Stop Lights 13
Car Indicators or Blinkers 14
Keeping Left 15
Traffic Signs 16
Road Markings 17
Traffic Signals 17
Railway Level Crossings 18
Reflectors and Marker Posts 19
One Way Bridges 19
Safe Following Distances 20
Overtaking or Passing 21
Speed 22
Speed around Schools 22
Braking 22
Antilock Brakes (ABS) 23
Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control 23
DRIVING TIPS FOR ADVERSE CONDITIONS 24
Visibility 24
Fog 24
Ice 24
Wet Weather 25
Night Driving 25
INTERSECTIONS 26
Uncontrolled Intersections 26
Stop and Give Way Signs 27
Left Turn Slip Lane 28
One Way or Double Lane Streets 29
Blocking an Intersection 29
Intersections and Cyclists 30
Roundabouts 31
Flush Medians 32
Turning onto a Highway 33
Turning off a Highway 33
Merging Lanes 34
Right Turning Bay 34

MOTORWAYS 35
MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS 36
Pedestrian Crossings 36
Safety Rules and Hints 37
Traffic Light Controlled Crossings 37
Pedestrians 38
Shared Paths 39
Joggers 39
Tips for Parents 39
VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEDESTRIANS 40
Crossing a Road 40
Crossing at a Pedestrian Crossing 41
Traffic Light and Buzzer Controlled Crossings 41
Helping People with Visual Impairment 42
ROAD CRASHES 43
Tips for Dealing with Crashes 43
Reporting a Crash 43
Accidents Involving Animals 44
Crash Prevention Tips 44
Airbags 45
FOR MORE INFORMATION 46
 THE DRIVER
The driver is responsible for his or her actions while driving on the road, in spite
of the actions of other drivers.

Driving on our roads today involves facing many hazards and an increasing
amount of traffic. Motorists need to be more aware, concentrate on their driving
and know what is going on around them while they drive.

Be aware of the dangers of alcohol and drugs and the effect they can have on
you and your driving ability.

Ensure other motorists are shown in plenty of time what you intend to do by:
using indicators; driving in the correct lane, obeying traffic lights at intersections,
understanding road signs, and showing patience and courtesy to other road
users.

These safety requirements are necessary to ensure your driving is safe and
enjoyable, not only for yourself but for all road users.

SEAT BELTS
Every person travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt or be in a correctly fitted
child restraint. Any person under the age of 15 years within the vehicle is the
driver’s responsibility.

One unrestrained person could cause injuries or fatalities to other people in the
vehicle in the event of a crash.

When not in use, why not connect the rear seat belts to give added support to the
rear seat. This will stop heavy objects moving into the passenger compartment
from the boot in the event of a crash.

Remember – Wearing a seatbelt is the single most important

thing you can do to reduce the amount of damage to your body in
a road crash.

6 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

VISION
Many people experience a decline in vision over time and affected areas may
include the ability to see fine detail.

Peripheral What you see from the corner of your eyes.

Depth perception The ability to judge distance accurately.

Night vision How well your eyes adjust to low light and glare.

Neck stiffness Can make turning your head more difficult and this makes it
harder to see what’s around you.

Have your eyes tested regularly, especially if you experience sight problems.

HEARING
It’s common to lose some hearing over time so get medical advice as many
hearing problems can be corrected.

Wear a hearing aid if you have to and keep your car radio turned down. This will
assist you.

CLASSES OF DRIVER LICENCE

To drive a car you need a Class 1 licence, but there are actually six classes of
licence in New Zealand.

Each class covers different types and weights of vehicle. That’s because the skills
you need to drive a car are different from the skills you need to drive a heavy
vehicle or motorcycle.

You can apply for a Class 6 (motorcycle) licence or a Class 1 (car) licence without
holding any other class of licence. But if you want a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence, you
will need to get a full Class 1 licence first.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 7

 RENEWING YOUR LICENCE
FROM AGE 75
Because the effects of ageing can sometimes affect a person’s ability to drive,
there are special licence renewal conditions for older drivers.
• You need to renew your licence at ages 75 and 80 and then every two
years after that.
• Before your driver licence expires, the NZTA will send you an Application
for Renewal of Driver Licence form. You’ll also receive a brochure that
will tell you everything you need to know to get your licence renewed.
• You’ll need to book an appointment with your doctor to get a medical
certificate for a driver licence. During your appointment, your doctor
will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight.
• They will recommend whether you are:
- medically fit to drive
- medically fit to drive with conditions (such as corrective lenses,
time-of-day restriction, distance restriction).
- medically fit to drive but referred for an on-road safety test.
- to be referred to a specialist (such as an optometrist or occupational
therapist driving assessor) for further assessment – your doctor will
advise you of the results.
- not medically fit to drive.

If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, he or she will give you a
medical certificate for a driver licence. You will then need to renew your
licence at a driver licensing agent.

Remember – the medical and eye sight certificate issued by your

doctor must be less than 60 days old when you present it to renew
your driver’s licence.

8 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

CELL PHONES
While you are driving, you must not create, send, or read a text message on a
mobile phone or use a hand-held mobile phone to make or receive a phone call.
This includes accessing online services in any way.

Great Habit
Turn your phone off while driving or utilise your provider’s services, such as
Vodafone’s ‘Drive Safe’ if your phone has this capability.

LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMITS FOR DRIVING

The law says you must not drive if the amount of alcohol in your blood or breath
exceeds certain age-related limits. These limits are shown below.

Under 20
There is a zero alcohol limit if you are under 20. That means if you drive after
consuming even one drink you can be charged with drink driving.

20 or over
You must not drive if you have consumed more than the legal alcohol limit,
which is 250 micrograms per litre of breath or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres
of blood.

It is difficult to say how many alcoholic drinks you can have before you reach
these limits. Because of this, and because even small amounts of alcohol can
affect your driving, the best advice is: if you drink at all, don’t drive.

If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, take a bus or get someone who hasn’t been
drinking, such as a friend or ‘dial-a-driver’, to drive you home.

Important – Plan how you will get home before you go out.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 9

 DRIVER FATIGUE
Driver fatigue is a killer. Each year, drivers whose concentration, judgement and
reaction times are clouded by tiredness, are killed on New Zealand roads. Before
starting a long trip, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol, don’t take medications
that could make you sleepy, eat a good meal, and plan your rest breaks. Avoid
late night parties and tiring activities.

When you feel tired, even if it’s not a long trip, pull over and take a break. You
are the best judge of your limits and you have a responsibility for your life and for
the lives of others on the road.

Reduce fatigue on long trips by not fixating or staring at one area for long
periods of time. Frequent head and eye movement will help and give you a better
overview of the driving environment.

STOP if your driving is being affected by any of these danger signs:

• Feeling tired
• Lack of alertness
• Fuzzy or dim vision
• Inability to keep your eyes open
• Unintentional changes in speed
• Fumbling whilst changing gears
• Aches and pains
• Stiffness and cramps
• Daydreaming
• Droning or humming in ears
• Delayed reactions
• Seeing things
• Wandering steering.

Safety hint – How well you feel shows in how safely you drive.
Your body is the best judge. Don’t stretch yourself to the limit.

10 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

YOUR VEHICLE
Look after your vehicle by having it regularly serviced.
• When you wash your vehicle, spend a little time checking all the lights. Don’t
forget to clean behind the plastic headlight covers.
• Keep all your windows clean and windscreen washer bottle full.
• Keep your tyres at the correct pressure. Don’t forget your spare tyre.
• Have your tyre tread checked by a garage. They will tell you how worn they are
and when you need to replace them.
• Check your windscreen wiper rubbers for damage or wear.
- Leaving your vehicle outside frequently can result in the sun hardening
the rubber blades. This can cause scratches and streaks on your
windscreen.
- It is a good idea to replace them every 12 months.
- Stone chips on windscreens can also damage the rubber blades. Have
stone chips repaired as soon as possible.

Make sure your warrant of fitness is up to date.

Have a trusted friend drive your vehicle occasionally to make sure it drives and
feels alright. Because you drive it all the time you may be compensating for a
fault that has developed over time.

SPACE-SAVER WHEELS
Some cars have a space-saver spare wheel. Space-saver wheels are much smaller
than the vehicle’s other wheels so they take up less storage room.
• Space-saver wheels are for emergency use only and are not designed to be
used over long distances.
• If you get a flat tyre and replace a wheel with a space-saver wheel, you should
only use it to get directly home or to a place where the flat tyre can be repaired
or replaced.
• Don’t drive faster than 80km/h. If the space-saver wheel has a sticker showing
a lower speed, then that speed applies.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 11

 LOADING YOUR TRAILER SAFELY
To ensure the stability of the vehicle and trailer combination when towing, the
trailer should exert a downwards force on the towing vehicle’s towbar equal to
about 10 percent of the weight of the trailer plus its load.

The load on the trailer must not:

• extend more than 4 metres behind the rear axle
• extend more than 1.25 metres on either side from the centre of the trailer.

If the load extends more than 1 metre behind the trailer, you must tie on a white
flag, or a red, orange or yellow fluorescent flag. The flag must be at least 40
centimetres by 30 centimetres in size. The load must be tied on firmly and must
not touch the ground.

12 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

DRIVING
CAR STOP LIGHTS
When you operate the brake pedal, the stop lights tell other road users behind
you “I am going to slow down, or stop”.

Important – If possible pump your brakes gently before

stopping. This will give an early warning to other drivers. Keep
your foot on the brake pedal when stopped so your stop lights
warn other drivers.

This hand signal can be used if your stop

lights cannot be seen.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 13

 CAR INDICATORS OR BLINKERS
They must be used (or hand signals) for at least 3 seconds before you-
• Turn right or left, or move towards the right or left.
• Stop or slow down.
• Move out from a parking place.
• Move out to pass, or move to change lanes.

Signals should be made in time to tell other road users what you are going to do
Get into the habit of indicating every time you change direction.

Right turn

This signal means

• I am going to turn right.
• I am going to move out from a parking place.
• I am going to move over to the right.
• I am going to move right to overtake.

This hand signal can be used if your

indicator light cannot be seen.

14 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

Turning left

This signal means

• I am going to turn left, or move towards the left.
• I am going to move out of a parking place on a one-way street.
• I am moving back to the left lane after overtaking.

KEEPING LEFT
Keep close to the left, particularly on bends, you never know what is around
the corner.

Don’t pass any vehicle when you are

coming to a blind corner or curve (A
blind corner or curve is where you
can’t see what’s around the corner).

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 15

 TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs are an important part of the roading system because they aid the
safe and orderly movement of traffic. New Zealand has adopted the international
symbolic road sign system, making them easier for road users to understand.

The signs on our roads can be divided into three types;

• Compulsory signs
Regulatory instructions which road users are required to obey (you must or must
not do). Usually either red or blue.

• Warning signs
Warnings of temporary or permanent hazards;

• Information signs
Information that is of general interest to road users such as directions, distances,
services or tourist features.

16 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

ROAD MARKINGS
The solid white line on the left is a weather line that can assist the driver to see
the edge of the roadway in adverse weather.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Red Light Red arrow
Means: Stop. Means: Stop. Do not turn in
the direction of the arrow.

Yellow Light Yellow Arrow

Means: Do not continue Means: Do not turn in the
unless you cannot stop direction of the arrow unless
safely. you cannot stop safety.

Green Light Green Arrow

Means: You may proceed if Means: You may proceed
it is safe. in the direction of the arrow
provided you are in the
correct lane and the road is
clear. You must give way to
Flashing Yellow Light pedestrians crossing on a
Means: The traffic signals crossing light.
are not working. In this case
you must apply the give
way rules for uncontrolled
intersections.

Remember – no traffic signal controls a car; only a driver can do

that. Give yourself time to react to the signals – slow down.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 17

 RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSINGS
Because not all level crossings
are controlled by lights, bells
or barrier arms, special care is
needed when approaching and
proceeding across railway lines.

You must stop your vehicle clear of the railway tracks if

• You can see a train coming and there is a danger of collision.
• The twin flashing lights or the warning bells are operating.
• The barrier arm is down or being closed.
• There is a stop sign at the crossing.
• A railway employee or police officer asks you to stop.

You may proceed across the crossing when

• The way is clear and no railway traffic is approaching.
• The flashing lights and bells have stopped.
• The barrier arm is completely open and up.
• Directed by a railway employee or police officer.

Remember – Do not attempt to cross a level crossing if the

road beyond is blocked with traffic and you cannot stop clear of the
railway tracks.

Special care is needed when crossing railway tracks that have no safety signs or
bells. Make sure the way is clear before crossing the tracks and remember trains
run at all hours.

Some vehicles (such as buses and vehicles carrying dangerous goods) are legally
required to come to a stop before crossing, even when there are no lights flashing
or bells ringing.

If you stall a manual car on a railway crossing (and you can not push
the car off the tracks), leave the vehicle in gear while attempting
to start and the car may jump forward off the tracks. If a train is
approaching, GET OUT, and move clear of the car and crossing.

18 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

REFLECTORS AND MARKER POSTS
Many roads have reflectors (cat’s eyes) and guide posts to help you follow the
road, to show you which way the road turns, and how wide the road is.

Left side of bridge

Right side of bridge

ONE WAY BRIDGES

Some roads in New Zealand have one-lane bridges on them. At these bridges,
vehicles travelling in one direction have to give way to vehicles going in the
other direction.

First warning sign Second warning sign This sign indicates

You must give way You must give way others should give
to other vehicles. to other vehicles. way to you.

Important – Slow down and check the way is clear before driving
onto the bridge, even if you have right of way.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 19

 SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCES
It is very important to make sure you have a safe distance between you and
the vehicle in front, so you will have enough time to stop if you need to stop
suddenly. A good way to make sure you always keep a safe following distance is
to use the two-second rule or the four-second rule, which are explained below.

The ‘2 second rule’ in ideal conditions

Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a point

beside the road, for example, a signpost or power
pole.

Then count normally - “one thousand and one, one

thousand and two”. This takes about 2 seconds.

If you pass the same point before you finish saying

those eight words, you are following too close. Try
again.

Remember – only a fool breaks the ‘2 second rule’.

The ‘4 second rule’ in poor conditions

In bad weather, when the road is wet or slippery or when you are towing a
trailer, you need to increase your following distance to four seconds, because
you’ll take longer to stop if you need to. You should also increase your following
distance if the vehicle behind you is very close. This will reduce the chances of
your having to stop suddenly and the risk of a rear end collision.

Important - When you’re following another vehicle and you

don’t intend to overtake them, you must leave enough space in front
of your vehicle for vehicles behind to pass you.

20 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

OVERTAKING OR PASSING
No-passing lines
No-passing lines are used when it is not safe to overtake another vehicle. This
applies to the lane the solid yellow line is located in.

Motorists are warned of no-passing lines ahead by broken yellow lines before
the solid yellow line in the centre of the road.
• Rural highways have five broken yellow lines before the solid yellow line.
• Urban roads have three broken yellow lines before the solid yellow line.
• As shown in the picture;
- You may come back over the dashed yellow line between A and B to
finish passing.
- You must not cross the solid yellow line between C and D.

C
B

Remember – even when there are no yellow lines it may not be

safe to overtake. The driver must ensure there is sufficient distance
and visibility, and that the road ahead is clear.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 21

 SPEED
Vehicle speed is an important factor in road safety. You must obey all speed
regulations and be ready to adjust your speed quickly if necessary. You can drive
at any speed you like under the limit but you must be careful that:
• Your vehicle is in a safe condition
• You can drive safely
• You do not slow down other traffic.
• Your speed is safe for the traffic conditions – e.g., a busy road, pedestrians,
joggers, etc.
• Your speed is safe for the road conditions – e.g., bumpy, narrow, wet or icy
roads.
• Your speed is safe for the weather conditions – e.g., rain, wind or fog.

SPEED AROUND SCHOOLS

• Always slow down and watch for pedestrians around schools.
• You must obey any special speed limit signs around schools.
• When passing or coming towards a marked school bus that has stopped to
pick up or drop off children the speed limit is 20km per hour.

Remember – Small children cannot be seen behind or between

parked vehicles – be prepared to stop quickly.

BRAKING
Braking capacity depends on the type and condition of the road surface, the tyres,
the brakes and other factors. The average reaction time to brake under normal
conditions is 0.75 of a second.

Stopping distance combines driver reaction distance plus braking distance. This
distance increases when the road surface has loose metal on it, when you are
travelling downhill, or when it is wet, muddy or slippery.

22 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

 Stopping distance at 50 kph
Road surface Driver reaction Braking Total distance
Dry 10m 15m 25m
Wet 10m 30m 45m
Stopping distance at 80 kph
Road surface Driver reaction Braking Total distance
Dry 20m 40m 60m
Wet 20m 80m 100m

ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS)

Antilock brake systems are designed to prevent a vehicle’s wheels from locking
to give drivers better control and to reduce stopping distances during emergency
braking on slippery roads.

When the antilock brakes engage, the brake pedal vibrates as the system works
by pumping the brakes faster than humanly possible.

Owners of vehicles fitted with antilock brakes should never pump the brakes in
an emergency as this action works against the antilock braking system.

If you don’t have ABS brakes, don’t brake too hard when it is wet as you may
go into a dangerous skid. Instead, pump the brakes gently.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

(ESC) AND TRACTION CONTROL (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control are computerised technology
that improves the safety of a vehicle by detecting and minimising skids. When
ESC or TCS systems detect loss of steering control, they automatically apply the
brakes or reduce power to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 23

 DRIVING TIPS FOR
ADVERSE CONDITIONS
VISIBILITY
When driving in fog or rain, poor visibility through vehicle windows is a big
danger.

• It is very important to ensure that the windscreen demister and rear window
heater (if fitted) are working correctly and that all windows are kept clean.
• Good ventilation will help stop windows misting up and also help prevent
driver fatigue.
• Driving at night in rain is one of the most difficult conditions motorists can
encounter.
- Rain on the headlights scatters the beams and reduces their efficiency.
- When driving at night, slow down and make sure that you can stop
safely within the range of your headlights.

FOG
When driving in fog, slow down and turn your headlights on and set them on
dip – high beams reflect off the fog, reducing visibility. Turn your wipers on, and
be alert for vehicles ahead.

ICE
Bridges and shaded areas ice up first and retain ice longer than the rest of the
roadway so, during the winter months when ice forms on the road, take special
care and adjust your speed accordingly. Obey the road warning signs – they
have been placed in the area because of a history of previous crashes due to icy
conditions.

24 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

WET WEATHER
• Road surfaces become very slippery when they are wet. It is important to adjust
your speed and drive to the conditions.
• The early phase of rain is a dangerous time because it creates a slick film on
the road surface which is very slippery. Continuous hard rain is needed to wash it
away, so it is important to slow down during the first showers.
• Statistics of crashes during rain show they are about four times the dry weather
rate. The main types of crashes due to wet road conditions are: head on; rear
end; cornering; and loss of control on straight roads.
• Most of these crashes are linked to slippery road surfaces or bald tyres.
• A wet road can be slippery and tyres can hydroplane if there is a lot of surface
water on the road.

NIGHT DRIVING
You must turn your headlights on 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes
before sunrise and any other time when you cannot clearly see a vehicle or
person 100 metres away.

Dip Your Lights When

• Traffic is coming towards you
• You are following traffic
• You stop
• There is plenty of street lighting.

When Driving at Night

• Switch on your headlights. Don’t drive with your side lights (park lights) on
• Keep your lights and windscreen clean
• Stop and rest if you are sleepy.

If you are blinded by the lights of oncoming traffic

• Slow down and stop if necessary
• Watch the left side of the road (the solid white line)
• Watch for people walking or on bikes – they are hard to see.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 25

 INTERSECTIONS
An intersection is where two or more streets or roads join or cross, and may
be either controlled or uncontrolled. Give way and Stop signs are placed at
intersections where extra care is needed.

UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS
This rule applies at intersections where two vehicles are facing no signs or signals
or the same signs or signals.
• You must give way to left turning vehicles coming from the opposite direction
if you are turning right.
• All traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) must give way to all traffic
on a continuing road (top of the T).

26 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

 If you are turning, give way to all vehicles
not turning. Note: If the road is marked with
a centre line, you are deemed to be turning
if you leave the path of the centre line.

If all other give way rules (or signs or signals)

do not determine who gives way, give way
to vehicles coming from your right. (An
example of this is at cross roads controlled
by traffic signals when the signals have failed and all approaches have a flashing
yellow light).

Important – Be prepared to stop even if you have the

right of way.

STOP AND GIVE WAY SIGNS

If you are at an intersection controlled by a Stop sign (and yours is the only vehicle
controlled by a stop sign), you must stop and give way to all other vehicles (even
if they are turning across in front of you and you are going straight).

If you are at an intersection controlled by

a Give Way sign, you must give way to all
other vehicles except those controlled by a
Stop sign.
- Slow down and look ahead, to both
sides and rear.
- Be ready to stop if you have to.
- Obey the give way or stop signs,
indicate what you intend to do.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 27

 LEFT TURN SLIP LANE
As shown in the image below, vehicles turning left on the left turn slip lane
are controlled by a give way sign. The slip lane is outside the area controlled by
traffic signals and drivers must continue to give way at the give way sign to other
traffic.

The left turn vs right turn rule does

not change the priorities for the car
controlled by a give way sign on the left
turn slip lane.

If the left turn slip lane is not controlled

by signs or signals, then right turning
traffic from the opposite direction must
give way to the left turning vehicle in
the slip lane.

Road controlling authorities will monitor situations like this and if necessary,
install traffic controls to make it clear who should give way.

28 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

ONE WAY OR DOUBLE LANE STREETS
Turning into a one way or double lane
street

You must enter the correct lane. When

turning left enter the left lane; when
turning right enter the right lane.

Right turn from a one-way street

Follow your lane from the one-way

street into the same lane on the two-
way street.

BLOCKING AN INTERSECTION
You must not enter or cross an intersection unless there is space for your vehicle
on the other side of the intersection when all vehicles stop.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 29

 INTERSECTIONS & CYCLISTS

If you are at an intersection and wanting to

turn left, you must give way to cyclists in the
cycle lane going straight, even if they are
beside or behind your vehicle.

Some controlled intersections have painted areas where cyclists may wait ahead
of other vehicles. The cyclists are entitled to be there, so please be courteous
and allow them to move off first.

Make sure when passing cyclists you give a minimum of 1 metre clearance in
town and 1.5 metres on rural roads.

Remember – Motorcyclists and cyclists can be difficult to see so

take a second look before turning or changing lanes.

30 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

ROUNDABOUTS
Plan ahead before you reach a roundabout, so you know where you are going.
Slow down as you approach the roundabout. If the approach and roundabout are
marked with multi-lanes, approach the roundabout in the correct lane (the correct
lane approach does not apply to single lane roads).

Indicate your intentions: Use your left indicator when turning left; right indicator
when turning right; and when going straight through only indicate on exit.

Give way to all vehicles approaching from your right.

Remember:
• Cyclists and motorcyclists also use roundabouts.
• Large long vehicles take more space to turn and may need both lanes.
• If you are exiting the roundabout from a right lane into a left lane,
check traffic on your left.

Turning left

• Approach the roundabout with your left-

hand indicator operating.
• If multi-lanes are marked, approach the
roundabout in the correct lane for a left turn
(normally the left lane).
• When the way is clear proceed onto the
roundabout and exit left.

Turning right

• Approach the roundabout with your right-

hand indicator operating.
• If multi-lanes are marked, approach the
roundabout in the correct lane for a right turn
(normally the right lane).
• When the way is clear proceed onto the
roundabout until just after you pass the exit
prior to the one you intend to take, then
indicate a left turn, check for traffic on your
left and exit the roundabout.
ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 31
 Going straight through

• Approach the roundabout with no

indicators operating.
• If multi-lanes are marked, approached
the roundabout in the correct lane for
travelling straight through (normally the
left lane).
• When the way is clear proceed onto
the roundabout until just after you pass
the exit prior to the one you intend to
take, then indicate a left turn and exit the
roundabout.

FLUSH MEDIANS
White diagonal lines separate vehicles
and provide a safe place for vehicles that
are turning, or have turned right.

You can only drive on the white flush

median lines to
• Speed up to reach a gap in the traffic
flow; or
• Slow down before turning right.

Important – Watch for pedestrians who may wait on the flush

median when crossing the road.

32 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

TURNING ONTO A HIGHWAY
When entering a highway, ensure the way is clear before you complete your
turn. Move onto the highway and accelerate quickly but steadily to the same
speed as the traffic flow or the speed limit.

Remember it is not easy to assess the speed of fast moving traffic. Only proceed
when the way is clear.

TURNING OFF A HIGHWAY

Right turn from the centre line
• Slow down, signal and move as close as possible to the centre line.
• When the way is clear complete your turn.

By moving to the centre line you allow

vehicles following you to pass on your left.

Right turn from the left side of the road

(When traffic is heavy or following too
close and prevents your right turn)
• Signal and move to the left side of the
road.
• When the way is clear signal right and
complete your turn.

By moving as far as possible to the left you allow vehicles following you to pass
safely and you avoid stopping in the middle of a busy highway.

If a vehicle in front of you has also stopped to turn right, it’s best to
wait behind them and use the same position to turn from.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 33

 MERGING LANES
Leaving a merge lane after turning right
at an intersection
• Show you want to merge with the vehicles by
using your indicator.
• Speed up to move into a gap in the traffic.
• Adjust your following distance.

Merging into the traffic flow

• You must signal that you want to merge into
the right lane from the left lane.
• The red car in the right lane must allow the blue
truck to enter the single lane because the blue
truck is ahead of the right lane traffic.
• If the blue truck is behind or beside the red car,
the blue truck must give way.

RIGHT TURNING BAY

Indicate and then drive straight over the white
diagonal lines and wait in the turning bay to turn
right. Then you won’t hold up vehicles behind
you going straight through.

34 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

MOTORWAYS
Motorways are designed to keep traffic moving.

Entering a Motorway

Before going onto the motorway adjust your

speed to the same as the vehicles on the
motorway.

Indicate early and move carefully into a gap in

the traffic.

Leaving a Motorway

Move into the left lane 1 km or more before your

exit. Watch the signs. Indicate early and move
carefully from the motorway.

Keep up with the traffic flow until you are on

the off-ramp.

Remember – to check blind spots and lanes beside you before

changing lanes.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 35

 MOTORISTS AND
PEDESTRIANS
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Slow down and be ready to stop for any pedestrians stepping onto, or on the
crossing. This includes people obviously waiting to use the crossing.

If there is no raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way
to pedestrians on any part of the crossing.

If there is a raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way
to pedestrians on your half of the road.

36 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

GENERAL SAFETY RULES
• Do not overtake any vehicle that is slowing down or has stopped at a pedestrian
crossing to let someone cross.
• Where any school patrol sign is out, traffic from both ways must stop and stay
stopped until all signs have been put down. Look out for school patrol warning
cones.
• A white diamond is painted on the road before the crossing to warn you that
a pedestrian crossing is ahead.

SAFETY HINTS
• Always be ready to stop near schools, bus stops and pedestrian crossings day
or night.
• Be careful when driving past parked vehicles. Pedestrians may suddenly walk
out in front of you.
• Be careful when driving near children, they can be unpredictable.
• Watch out for elderly or disabled people, they may be moving slower than you
expect.
• Pedestrian crossings are marked with black and white poles. Some have yellow
flashing lights on the tops of the poles or orange circles.
• Watch for children getting on or off a school bus. You must slow down to
20 km/h when passing or coming towards a marked school bus stopped to let
children on or off.

TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLED

CROSSING
• When you are turning at an intersection you must give way to pedestrians
crossing with the traffic lights.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 37

 PEDESTRIANS
• Footpaths provide a safe place for you to walk. Where a footpath is provided,
use it.
• Where there is no footpath:
- walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic except on curves,
where it is best to walk on the outside edge of the curve.
- walk off the road, or as close as possible to the edge of the road.
• At night or in poor visibility, wear light-coloured or reflective clothing, or carry
a torch to help you be seen.
• Cross the road only when it is safe to do so and quickly walk straight across
the road.
• Remember, it takes time for a vehicle to stop. Be sensible and wait for a gap
in the traffic before crossing the road.
• When crossing the road at or near an intersection, remember to check all
nearby roads for vehicles.
• When crossing the road at night, cross near a street light if you can.
• If you need to cross the road when you get off a bus, wait until the bus has
moved well away.
• If you have to cross the road between parked vehicles, move out as far as the
headlight of a parked car nearest the traffic, then check for moving vehicles and
wait for a gap before crossing the road.
• Be careful when crossing driveways, particularly when your visibility is restricted
by buildings or fences. Remember, if a driver is coming out of a driveway, their
vision will be restricted and they may not see you.
• Young children should hold an older person’s hand.
• If you are within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing, footbridge, underpass or
traffic signals, you must use them to cross the road.

Safety hint – You can see the lights of on-coming vehicles but
the drivers often cannot see you. They only see the road where their
headlights shine.

38 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

SHARED PATHS
When using a shared path be careful and considerate. A shared path may be a
cycle path, a footpath, or some other kind of path used by pedestrians, cyclists,
riders of mobility devices and riders of wheeled recreational vehicles at the same
time. There will be a sign telling you it is a shared path. Keep to the left and be
considerate to other users travelling faster or slower than you.

JOGGERS
• Obey the road rules for pedestrians.
• It is hard for drivers to see you when you are running.
• Wear bright clothes or belts, bands and shoes that have reflectors.
• Be very careful at intersections.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Teach your children to be safe on the roads, show them where it is safe to walk
and how to stop and cross.
• Show them the safest way to school, the shops, and the playground.
• If your children are 5 years old or younger, walk with them to school or
pre-school.
• Show them how to be careful on the footpath.
• Watch for children when backing into or out of driveways and garages.

Remember – Small children can’t see over vehicles, and they

don’t understand that it takes time for a vehicle to stop.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 39

 VISUALLY IMPAIRED
PEDESTRIANS
Remember that our roads are not just for motorists, but are for all people to use in a
partnership of courtesy, patience and road safety.

People with a visual impairment are a significant group and although they can be of
any age, over 75% of those visually impaired are over the age of 65 years. For some,
visual impairment is just one of several disabilities caused by the aging process, and
can compound the problems created by poor hearing, arthritis, and poor balance.

Not all people who are visually impaired use a white cane. A white cane symbolises
blindness or at the very least, impaired vision.

Some motorists will attempt to assist a person with a cane as they deal with traffic on
our busy roads. However these good intentions may not be the correct way to assist
and could in fact increase the danger to this group.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is aware of these good intentions
and has produced some excellent advice to help you assist people with a visual
impairment.

CROSSING A ROAD
• People with a visual impairment are taught to find the kerb and then listen for
a gap in the traffic. Their white cane may be resting against the kerb, or they may
have a guide dog with them. People who are blind or partially sighted will hear
you coming and are unlikely to step out in front of you. They rely on their hearing
and wait for the vehicles to pass before attempting to cross the road.
• If you stop or brake suddenly to let someone with a visual impairment cross the
road it can make the situation dangerous for them. The sound of your engine
may mask the sounds made by other vehicles which may not be prepared to stop.
A pedestrian who is blind will not know why you have stopped, and there is no
guarantee that you will not suddenly move off again.
• It is unlikely that a blind person would attempt to cross in these circumstances
and they may even wave you on.

40 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

CROSSING AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
• As a motorist, you are required by law to give way to people on pedestrian
crossings, so there is no need to treat people with a visual impairment any
differently. However, these people may take longer to start crossing the road as
they will be listening to make sure all traffic has stopped in both directions; or in
the case of a one way road, all traffic has stopped.
• Please be patient.

TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLED CROSSINGS

• People with visual impairment are taught to cross when the traffic parallel to
their intended direction of travel is just beginning to move. Because they have to
listen for traffic, it takes a little longer than usual so they may not step onto the
road the instant the light changes.
• If you, as the motorist are going straight through, do not delay moving off
when the lights change to green; however if you are turning across their path,
give them time to make their move.

BUZZER CONTROLLED CROSSINGS

• Do not be confused or impatient with people with a visual impairment who
hesitate at a buzzer crossing as they may be waiting for the next light/buzzer
sequence to prepare themselves to cross.
• Remember, always stop clear of the crossing.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 41

 HELPING PEOPLE WITH A VISUAL
IMPAIRMENT
• If you think help is needed, drive past the person before stopping so that other
traffic behind you is not prevented from seeing them.
• Often the best and safest thing is to drive on and leave the person either to
cross the road by themselves or to receive help from another pedestrian.
• If you stop, remember when helping someone with a visual impairment, there
are some general principles you should observe:
- Ask if assistance is needed. Too often people with visual impairment
waiting for a friend have been forced to cross the road, and then had to
ask to be returned to the other side. Don’t force your good intentions.
- If information is required, answer the questions you are asked. Most
people with visual impairment will be travelling in familiar territory but
can occasionally lose their bearings. Be precise if you are asked for
directions.
- Do not take hold of the white cane or guide dog - breaking their, or
their guide dog’s, concentration can be very dangerous.
- Be precise when giving directions – “go straight ahead about 100
steps” is much clearer for a blind or partially sighted person than “over
there”.
- Ask them which side they’d like to be guided on (or stand on the
opposite side of their cane or guide dog).
- Let them take your arm above the elbow (your arm can be straight or
bent). They will then walk about half a pace behind you following your
movements up or down steps or around obstacles.
- Keep your arm close to your body so that the person you are guiding
can follow your movements.
- Before stepping off or onto a kerb or stairs, pause and tell the person
you are guiding what is about to happen - “two steps down” or “a flight
of stairs up”. Let the blind or partially sighted person know that you are
leaving them. It can be embarrassing to be left talking to thin air!

42 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

ROAD
CRASHES
If you have a crash the first thing you must do is stop and check if anyone has
been injured. Get medical aid if anyone is injured and give as much assistance as
possible to the injured. Remain at the scene until the police advise you can leave.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CRASHES

If you are first on the scene of a crash, your actions could help save the lives of
the people involved in the crash and make it safer for other drivers coming upon
the crash scene.

Here are some things you can do to help make the crash scene safer:

• Park your car in a safe spot, away from the crash area. Leave plenty of space
for emergency vehicles to come and go, and for emergency workers to work in.
• Switch on your car’s hazard warning lights.
• If possible, post other people or warning triangles on all approaches to the
crash site to warn oncoming drivers. The people or triangles should be about
200 metres from the crash site to give approaching drivers time to slow down.
• If people are injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible.
• Following a crash, some airbags may not be deployed. If you need to enter a
crashed vehicle, don’t place yourself between any un-deployed airbag and the
vehicle’s occupants. Un-deployed airbags can deploy with force some minutes
after a crash and could injure both the rescuer and occupants.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off the ignition of all vehicles involved in the crash.

REPORTING A CRASH
• When anyone is injured, you must notify the police as soon as possible, but
within 24 hours.
• When no one is injured, you must give your name and address and the name
and address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving to the owner or driver

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 43

 of the other vehicle which has been damaged, and to the owner of any property
that has been damaged.
• If you can’t find the property owner, you must notify the police as soon as
possible and not more than 48 hours after the crash.
• If you have a current insurance policy, tell your insurance company as soon as
possible after the crash.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS

• If you injure an animal (e.g., a dog), you must tell the owner of the animal if
possible.
• If you can’t find the owner, you must contact the local SPCA inspector or the
police as soon as possible but not later than 48 hours after the accident.

CRASH PREVENTION TIPS

• Communicate. Tell drivers and pedestrians what you intend to do by using
your indicators.
• To change lanes, check traffic in your mirrors, glance over your shoulder,
indicate, check your mirrors again, then if clear change lanes.
• Always obey railway crossing signals/barrier arms. Never stop on railway lines
or crossings. Be extremely careful when crossing railway lines that do not have
signals. Expect a train at any time.
• Always look backwards before you reverse your vehicle. Preferably walk around
your car to ensure children or toys are not behind you before you reverse.
• Watch for pedestrians, especially children as they are unpredictable and hard
to see.
• Watch for flashing lights or emergency vehicles and be prepared to stop or
give way.
• Check your mirrors frequently and scan well ahead while driving as this will
allow you time to avoid any potential problems that may occur. Always be
prepared for someone else’s mistake.
• Keep headlights, tail-lights and turn signal lights clean. A dirty headlight can
cut output by 70%. Properly adjusted headlights reduce glare for other drivers
and provide you with as much light as possible.

44 ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS

AIRBAGS
Front airbags - protect you in head-on or frontal crashes, stored in the steering
wheel hub or dashboard, for front seat occupant safety only.

Side impact airbags - work best in a side-on crash to protect people on the
crashed side. Side torso (chest protecting) airbags protect the torso area only
and are usually stored in the seat by the door. Side torso and head airbags also
provide head protection.

Side curtain airbags - are stored behind the roof trim, above the doors. They
usually cover front and rear side windows when they inflate, protecting people
in both seats.

Head side airbags - protect your head from coming into contact with the
object you’ve hit such as trees and poles. They can prevent fatalities that would
otherwise be inevitable in this type of crash.

• Airbags are designed to inflate in a collision.

• An airbag inflates and deflates in twelve-hundredths of a second. It inflates
with considerable force.
• An airbag is made of nylon material.
• An airbag makes a loud noise when it inflates.
• An inflated airbag smells bad but don’t be alarmed by the smell.
• An airbag might cause some facial or other abrasions, like a rug burn, as it
inflates.
• An airbag can only be used once and then it must be replaced. Normally your
insurance will cover replacement.

Force of Impact
• Striking something at 30 kph is like driving off the top of a one storey building.
• Striking something at 60 kph is like driving off the top of a four storey building.

Striking something at 100 kph is like driving off the top of a nine
storey building.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS 45

FOR MORE
INFORMATION
GO TO
www.safeteendriver.co.nz
This site provides a toolkit for parents of teen drivers. It includes guidelines
to plan your driver training and useful tips to help your teenager manage
the risks of driving alone.

www.aa.co.nz
This is the Automobile Association Website. Go to the Motoring Section
and test your knowledge by completing the free Road Code quiz
questions. A great way for new drivers to learn the road code or for older
drivers to test their knowledge.

www.nzta.govt.nz
This is the official NZ Transport Agency Website. Go to the index at the
bottom of the home page, select Resources and Manuals, and you can
download a free copy of the latest Road Code.

www.practice.co.nz
This site has been set up by ACC and NZTA and provides an on line training
programme to help you pass your restricted driving test. To register for
the programme you must hold a learners licence and have the support of
a licensed driver.

www.reducetherisk.co.nz
The Waikato Regional Education Group Website, set up to raise public
awareness of critical road safety issues in the Waikato but is relevant to
all drivers and highlights some key facts that all road users should know
to help keep them safe on the roads.
www.sadd.org.nz
Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) is a student-led organisation
aiming to educate and empower young people to make healthier, safer
and better choices. Their mission is to reduce the youth road toll. The SADD
website offers ideas on activities and events that can help educate young
people.

www.letsgo.org.nz
Let’s Go is a New Plymouth District Council initiative to encourage people
in the district to choose walking, riding or taking the bus over using cars
for short trips. This website provides details about the projects they are
undertaking to create safer pathways, and information about related
training and transport options.

www.saferjourneys.govt.nz
The Safer Journeys website provides statistics and information on areas of
concern and government initiatives to help reduce the number of serious
injury and fatal crashes on New Zealand roads.

www.police.govt.nz/advice/driving-and-road-safety
On the Police website you will find the answers to frequently asked driving
questions, how to report a bad driver and information about driving
legislation, including speed limits and road safety cameras. Read advice on
how to stay safe in your vehicle.

Tourism Industry Drive Safe site for tourists

www.drivesafe.org.nz
DriveSafe.org.nz has been developed to help visitors to New Zealand safely
enjoy their self-drive holiday. This site provides basic information about New
Zealand road rules and etiquette, along with links to more details about
everything that those unfamiliar with our roads need to know.
Contact: Road Safety Co-ordinator
South Taranaki District Council
Private Bag 902
JUL 2015 TGM 03421

Hawera 4640
New Zealand
Freephone 0800 111 323
Email: contact@stdc.govt.nz