Your driving affects others. Consider that every time you get behind the wheel. Everyone has the right to be safe on the road, and every driver needs to take some responsibility for the people they share the road with.
Consequently, the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme is supporting the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)’s Drive Social campaign, which encourages people to look at driving from a different perspective and to be more considerate of other road users.
People are generally polite, patient and accommodating. But put us behind the wheel, and it can be a different story. Many of us become impatient, intolerant and unforgiving. This needs to change; the road is a social space like any other, and any decision you make while driving can affect many other road users.
This includes pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as other drivers and their passengers.
Ever had someone pass and cut in front of you? Consider this before you pull out to pass others. People who overtake aggressively can upset other drivers and cause a crash.
Tailgating is a common pet peeve. Don’t like people doing it to you? Think how other drivers feel in the same position. Always leave a safe following distance.
If you’re travelling below the speed limit, avoid accelerating when you reach a passing lane. Make overtaking as easy as possible for other drivers.
Is someone indicating to change lanes ahead of you? Let them in with a smile. Blaring horns and hand gestures are unnecessary and unhelpful.
Check for cyclists before opening car doors or pulling out, and watch for people walking between parked cars. Use your indicators if turning, pulling out or over, and at roundabouts.
School started back this week for term three, so drivers also need to be aware of children getting around on bikes, foot and scooters. Many children will not know the dangers of using roads and footpaths. To help keep them safe, be aware of and follow school zone speed limits, which are usually 40 km/h. This may differ around rural schools. Ask school staff for help if you’re unsure.
Take care when passing school buses. Avoid double-parking outside schools and speeding or doing U-turns within school zones.
Slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings.
The NZTA campaign asks all drivers to recognise that their behaviour on the road affects others. We all need to be more considerate on the road. Think people, not cars. Share the road. For more information, visit www.drivesocial.co.nz.