Nose-to-tail collisions are the most common type of car accident.By keeping your eyes moving, you can avoid all the surprises that pop up on our summer roads, whether that’s bad driving, kids on bikes, horse riders or escaped sheep. Check your mirrors and watch the action unfolding further up the road. Pay attention to what’s happening around you.Increase your following distance and reduce your speed whenever conditions are less than ideal. Remember that the speed limits apply to dry roads with not too much traffic. Drive to the conditions – that means adjusting for the weather, the road condition, the light and the traffic.Your holiday has already started, so make the most of it! Don’t be in a hurry to reach your destination, take your time and drive carefully. Be patient it’s better to arrive late than have an accident.Tell your passenger it’s their job to be the DJ, put your phone somewhere out of reach, and make sure the kids have each packed some toys or games to entertain themselves. Anything that takes even a fraction of your attention away from driving could be a problem.

Having a clean windscreen also helps because a dirty windscreen will often amplify glare. Glare can be a problem, and sunglasses can help. Have you checked the weather report? If the forecast is for bad weather, you’ll need to leave yourself more time for your journey.You’ll need a current Warrant of Fitness and registration. Is your car safe to set off? Check your tyres, your lights, indicators, windscreen and wipers are all in good condition.If you’re driving a battery electric vehicle, where will you recharge? Waka Kotahi has a trip planner to help EV owners find and plan around the national charging network. Make sure you have enough fuel before you leave, and you plan out where you’ll refuel enroute.Have a strategy for where you’ll stop for a snack or to stretch your legs – rest breaks are essential for staying focused when you’re driving all day. Start by making sure you know where you’re going and what route you’ll take.That means getting yourself and your car ready to go, and then driving defensively and safely to your destination – with plenty of breaks along the way. That’s why it’s important to take every road trip seriously. Escaped livestock, horse riders, unexpected weather events and roadslips can all take you by surprise when you’re navigating our backroads. When you drive in New Zealand, you may also encounter some unusual driving hazards. But it’s also a time when our road toll reaches its peak, as more of us take to the road and try to cover long distances in a single day. Road trips are a Kiwi summer tradition – taking the friends or family to the beach or the lake to get away from it and bask in the warm weather. Smart Charge – Intelligent Battery Charger.

Tips for long road trips