AA supports Government’s plans to change give way rules and improve motorcycle safety

The AA is pleased the Government is changing the give way rules to make intersections safer, and says this will bring New Zealand in line with other countries.

The Association has long been advocating for changes to the Give Way (Right Hand Turn) Rule because it is not well complied with on our roads and New Zealand is the only country where it still applies.

AA General Manager Motoring Affairs, Mike Noon, says “when you have large volumes of through-traffic, the Right Hand Give Way Rule often doesn’t work well and can result in uncertainty for drivers.”

“There are also risks, such as when someone has a left-turning indicator on because they have forgotten to turn it off - anyone turning right across their path will get a very nasty surprise. Police attend 40 to 50 injury crashes of this type a year.”

AA research has found that current give way rules are a factor in 6% to 7% of intersection crashes, and one or two deaths each year.

“We’re pleased that the Government has decided to tackle the issue and create more simple give way rules that are consistent with traffic rules in other countries. Having a traffic rule that is unique to New Zealand is dangerous, given the many overseas drivers on our roads, and of course for New Zealanders when they travel overseas,” says Mr Noon.

The AA estimates that during summer there can be up to 100,000 tourists at any one time driving on our roads with a foreign licence and following the give way rules they learned in their home countries.

The current give way rule was introduced in 1977 and states that a vehicle turning right (typically across the stream of traffic) takes precedence over a vehicle turning left. The rule came from Victoria, Australia, originally to assist trams on Melbourne’s streets, but Victoria changed back in 1993 and experienced a decline in intersection crashes as a result. Today New Zealand is the only country in the world with this priority rule.

“The AA will assist with driver education around the rule change as much as possible, but it is vital that there is a significant government education and advertising campaign to support the rule changes. It is also likely that some traffic light phasing will need to be reviewed and holding areas introduced to ensure the transition to the new rule is a smooth one,” says Mr Noon.

The AA is also very pleased to see the Government’s changes to improve motorcycle safety.

“Motorcycling is growing in popularity in New Zealand, but it comes with real dangers. For every kilometre that motorcyclists ride, they are 20 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than a car driver. The fact that more people are taking up motorcycling, and that motorcycle and moped crashes are also increasing, is a clear indication that licensing and safety measures need attention.”

The Government’s intention to strengthen motorcycle licence tests and requirements, introduce power-to-weight restrictions for novice riders, develop and encourage refresher training for returning riders, and promote high visibility and protective clothing for riders, should significantly improve motorcycle safety, says Mr Noon.

“They are very sensible and practical changes which will help keep riders safe.”

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