Drive to the conditions this summer

Summer’s here, and many of us will be jumping in our cars to go on holiday, or just to the beach for a day in the sun.


But before you get behind the wheel, remember that summer comes with its own unique driving hazards.


To ensure you return from the beach or holiday in one piece it’s worth thinking about the conditions you’re likely to come across on the roads this summer - and how you can adjust your driving to accommodate them. Stay alert to what other drivers are doing, distractions in your car or outside, and changing conditions.


Please be patient


During summer, the roads can become very busy with holiday traffic, so please be patient. If you’re stuck in a queue or behind a truck or campervan, relax and take it easy. Don’t try to overtake until it’s safe to do so. And if you’re holding up traffic behind you, do the decent thing and pull over to let vehicles go past.


The speed limit is not a target


Just because the speed limit is 100km in an area, it doesn’t mean that’s the safe speed to drive.


Crash statistics show New Zealand drivers don’t always slow down when conditions change. Wet weather, road works, high winds, sun strike, lots of pedestrians and heavy traffic are all summer challenges you need to respond to when driving – usually by slowing down.


We recommend drivers consider reducing their speed to below the speed limit for the following conditions:

Road works
Bad weather, including showers or heavy rain
Heavy traffic that is starting and stopping
When there’s a danger of sunstrike
Pedestrians and cars moving round beaches, camps or shopping centres
Children cycling on the road, or playing near the road



The key is choosing the right speed for the conditions. If all drivers adapt their speed to suit the conditions then we will see fewer and less severe crashes.


Remember - weight affects handling


Our cars often get loaded up with people and gear at holiday time. Just be aware that extra weight can affect how your car handles, especially around corners. The heavier your vehicle is, the longer it will take to stop, too, so allow for this when braking. Be extra cautious if using a roof-rack or towing a trailer or caravan.


Watch out for sun strike


The sun striking your windscreen just after sunrise and before sundown can temporarily dazzle you. Take care when driving at these times, and clean your windscreen regularly - especially if you’ve been travelling on gravel or dusty roads. Keep your windscreen squirter full, and give all the car windows a good scrub when you stop for petrol.


Get a pre-holiday season vehicle check


Make sure your car is in good condition for a long holiday trip. In particular, check things like tyre tread and pressure, brakes and the car’s cooling system. Many garages offer summer safety checks, so why not book in for one before you go on holiday?