INDEPENDENT NEWS

New brochure highlights differences driving in NZ

Published: Mon 1 Aug 2005 04:15 PM
New brochure highlights differences when driving in NZ
A new brochure published today by Land Transport New Zealand aims to improve tourists’ awareness of New Zealand’s unique driving conditions – before they hit the road.
The brochure has been produced in response to research by the University of Otago which found that while most overseas tourists are highly educated, experienced drivers, many are unaware of the specific differences in New Zealand driving conditions compared to their home countries.
In line with the research report’s recommendations the 'What's different about driving in New Zealand' brochure focuses on aspects of driving which tourists are likely to be unfamiliar with. These include our unique give way rules, driving on the left, and driver fatigue caused by journeys taking longer than expected due to narrow, winding terrain.
Land Transport NZ Chief Executive Wayne Donnelly said that while the number of crashes involving tourists is small compared to those involving New Zealand drivers, the statistics are proportionally higher in key tourist regions.
“Given projected tourist growth of 5.7% each year to 2009, it’s essential to look at ways we can help overseas visitors to have a safe and enjoyable driving experience,” Mr Donnelly said.
What’s different about driving in New Zealand is written in English, but also features German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese sections to target the largest groups of self-drive nationalities among the 600,000 tourists who currently drive on New Zealand roads each year.
The University of Otago research also found that rental vehicle companies are a primary source of information for tourists before they start driving. Land Transport NZ is working with the Rental Vehicle Association to ensure copies are widely available through their networks, before expanding distribution through visitor information centres, tourism websites and overseas channels.
What’s different about driving in NZ? can be viewed online at http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/travellers/driving-in-nz.html and copies can be ordered by calling 0800 699 000.
ENDS

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