18 May 2011

Motor Trade Association (MTA) welcomes the commencement of Government’s public consultation on the proposed changes to the give way rules and that the rule change will make things much easier for motorists.

These changes have been signalled as a priority in the Government’s 10-year Safer Journeys road safety strategy, and will apply to the left turn-right turn give way rule and the T-intersection rule.

MTA spokesperson Ana Zandi says the proposed rule changes are logical, and will give more certainty to drivers at what has long been a problem area on New Zealand’s roads.

“We regularly hear from our members who repair vehicles that have been involved in an accident that occurred at an intersection. A common theme we hear from many, is that one and sometimes both drivers involved in the accident weren’t really sure about who had right of way. This feedback signals to us that this change is well overdue.”

It is now almost 35 years since the current rules were introduced, and the proposed changes are expected to lead to a significant reduction in crashes and injuries at intersections.

MTA adds that the proposed change will also help young drivers, who are the largest group involved in road accidents.

For the past four years, MTA has been working with motorsport star, Greg Murphy, to increase the safety of young drivers through education campaigns such as the ‘MTA Murph in Schools’ programme.

ENDS

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