I think you are bound to meet some bad drivers if travelling a lot. Must also say that I have found the drivers here no better or worse than in the UK.
Maybe it is different at night when the kids are hooning about, and the drunks are more likely to be on the road. I just know I shall be terrified every time any of my kids go out at night.
The crosses are sobering, but you get bunches of flowers by the roadside in the UK too. I don't think the stats are good for NZ, but then they usually work on 'accidents/deaths per 100,000 population' but there are more drivers per population here than in many other countries. The shocker is the death stats for young drivers - they really need to address this.
I think that until you get used to the different road markings, signs and rules, it may feel more haphazard. It is also a bit daunting to find less 'calming' and safety measures here - for example, like safety barriers on that 50m drop alongside the road. Still, you get used to it.
