well on the way finally

[moggy]

I have to say that the majoriy of drivers round here err on the side of caution all the time - by that I mean brake at every corner, don't exceed the speed limit and need a written invitation to overtake. There is the odd numpty who will overtake on blind bends and drive 2 incheds off your bumper but that is the exception rather than the rule. Either that or anyone heading over to Akaroa is retired

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by moggy

I have to say that the majoriy of drivers round here err on the side of caution all the time

You must be particularly lucky down there, Moggy and I'm very relieved for you. Thankfully I can't really relate any real horror stories of my own either, but I have heard so many negative comments about kiwis and their driving skills, such as tailgating and hooning around the place. Perhaps it's just a North Island thing? I've often read in the press about drink driving being very prevalent in NZ. I know the press tend to exaggerate things to a certain extent but they can't all be wrong.

Perhaps we should start a thread for driving stories. There must be some.

[Taffy]

I generally dont find the driving that bad here at all. As you say, there's the odd idiot who likes to sit an inch off your bumper, and a few hoons around, but for the most part I find kiwi drivers quite friendly and couteous.

[johnty]

the two kiwis who played rugby for our club both lost there licence over there for drink driving and say its just part of growing up,they are both hawkes bay boys.
but that said i have never been breath tested in the uk, but was over there .they just put up a block and test every one going through.
i dont know what the stats are for accidents but those white crosses everywhere
on the side of the road are quite sobbering.

[Glenda]

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.

[Bermy Girl]

I have found that NZ drivers are pretty good and very observant of the laws when driving both times I have been there. However my opinion maybe a bit skewed coming from a place like Bermuda where Drinking and driving is a local sport... That's what happens when you live on a rock with 60,000. drunks clinging to it in the middle of nowhere Our speed limit is 35km island wide, but most of us average around 50km at all times, so driving in a country where people actually drive at the speed limit or near to it is quite a novelty as well. I feel very safe driving in NZ.