Kiwis need to 'relax' when it comes to foreign drivers - experts

  • 31/01/2017
woman in car looking at map getty
Kiwi drivers are advised to chill out and take their time (Getty)

New Zealand drivers should "be mindful" when it comes to slow, foreign drivers, police and transport agencies are urging. 

This time of year is when an influx of tourists hits our shores, particularly during the Chinese New Year period.

A spokesperson from NZTA says often people jump to conclusions when they see foreign drivers behind the wheel, an attitude she described as "concerning". 

"The Transport Agency advises all people to be patient if they have a driver ahead who is not doing the speed limit - which is an upper limit - or pulling over at the earliest opportunity," Frances Adank says.

The agency has several initiatives it hopes will remedy some of the main issues around foreign drivers, including in-flight videos on Air New Zealand flights and a video presented by Chinese mega-star Huang Lei. 

AA spokesman Simon Douglas said by and large, most New Zealanders were understanding towards foreign drivers, "but there are certain moments of intolerance at certain choke points". 

"Take a deep breath, please don't do anything rash," he says.

Police Superintendent Steve Greally echoed that statement. 

"The last thing we want is to be attending the scene of a serious crash that could have been avoided, and then having to explain to someone's family that their loved one won't be coming home" he said. 

Some tips for travelling at busy times include:

  • Allow extra time for your journey to avoid feeling under pressure to get to your destination, and take plenty of breaks so that you drive fresh.
  • Wait for a passing lane to overtake safely, or an appropriate clear stretch of road.
  • Taking photos? Pull over somewhere safe where other traffic can get past safely.

Newshub.