Safe Driving Tips

Distractions

In the last five years, there have been ten fatal road accidents in the Taupo District caused by poor judgement and/or poor observation.

Keeping your mind on the task

Driving requires your complete attention. You need to keep control of your vehicle at the same time as maintaining an awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards.

There are many causes of inattention while driving, including:

mobile phones
music devices such as radios, CDs and iPods
driver information screens and GPS devices
food and drink
other passengers
scenery

Avoiding driver distraction

Switch mobile phones off when driving. It is illegal to send or receive text messages or calls on hand-held mobile phones while driving.
Make sure your car's windscreen and mirrors are clean and adjust all of the controls (including radio/stereo) before setting off, or pull over safely to do so.
If you're unfamiliar with the route, check on a map before starting the journey or have someone read out directions. If you need to look at the map, safely pull over to the roadside.
Take regular breaks rather than eating, drinking or smoking while driving.
Ask passengers to be quiet if you're having difficulty concentrating.

How distracted are you when driving?

Take these fun quizzes to find out!

Be prepared

Winter and holiday driving

Plan your journey:

Check the weather and road conditions before you leave.
Take a blanket, warm clothing, food and water in case of an emergency.
Allow extra time for journeys and plan rest breaks or share the driving.

Drive to the conditions:

Slow down.
Increase your following distances.
Keep your headlights on at all times.
Follow the speed restriction signs and hazard signs.

Be alert:

There are more vehicles on the road during the holiday period.
People can be fatigued.

Check your car - give it a TWIRL!

Sometimes just giving your car a quick safety check can save you from a crash, or worse. It doesn't take long to give your car a quick safety check. Just give it a regular TWIRL - that is a quick safety check of your tyres, windscreen, indicators, rust and lights - and take it to an expert if anything's wrong.

Check out this handy pdf quick safety check guide or visit the NZTA website for more information.

TWIRL Car Quick Safety Check (PDF, 761KB)

Related websites

Intersections

Between 2010 and 2016, there have been two fatal and 32 serious crashes at intersections in the Taupo District. The top causes for the crashes were poor observation and failing to give way to other vehicles.

Don't be a statistic, indicate to communicate at every intersection and roundabout. Look ahead, behind and to both sides when approaching intersections and always stop at stop signs.

Speed

Speed is one risk good drivers can minimise

Driving on the roads in the Taupo District during summer can be enjoyable, especially with the amazing scenery. However our roads can also be dangerous and unforgiving due to changing conditions. Motorists should always drive at the correct speed for the conditions to minimise risks.

Traffic conditions

Traffic conditions that you should reduce your speed for include:

high volumes of traffic on the road
pedestrians, joggers and cyclists
holiday times when there are lots of visitors on the road
parked cars

Road conditions

Road conditions that you should reduce your speed for include:

road works or loose gravel
bumpy or narrow areas on the road
wet road surfaces
signs warning of hazards such as sharp curves or a slippery surface

Weather conditions

Weather conditions that you should reduce your speed for include:

rain
wind
bright sunlight