Spring Is Here!

With Spring well and truly here, the nicer weather will entice cyclists and motorcyclists back onto the road. With that in mind, we’ve put some quick tips together for drivers to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey.

• The most common cause of road accidents is ‘failed to look properly’, and this oversight is being made by all kinds of road users. We all need to look out for each other to stamp out these avoidable collisions.
• We don’t see things we are not looking for so keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists and give them lots of space. Especially leave cyclists enough room when you pass them as they may suddenly move out to negotiate drains, potholes or parked cars. Overtake thoughtfully.
• Passing a cyclist quickly might feel safe from inside the metal shell of your car, but it will not for the cyclist. The closer you are, the worse it feels.
• Bear in mind that cyclists, and certainly motorcyclists, may be travelling quicker than you down the same congested road. Check all of your mirrors regularly so you see bikes approaching from behind. In particular, check your mirrors and blind spots before either changing direction or changing lanes, especially in traffic queues.
• If a motorcyclist is trying to get past in heavy traffic, let them. Don’t hinder their progress just because you are stuck where you are.
• Give clear and early signals (at least 3 seconds) to allow other road users plenty of time to react.
• Don’t cut across a cyclist when turning left. Wait behind them until they clear the road you want to go down.
• Check for bikes coming past before opening the driver’s door when you’ve parked.

2 Drive Safe can help you and your family be safe riders and drivers. It’s our mission to see New Zealand be a safer nation on the roads.

We can do your Basic Handling Skills Test, Competency Based Training & Assessment and a myriad of beginner to advanced Motorcycle Training Courses, including subsidised Ride Forever Courses. We can even teach you to drive from scratch with Driving Lessons, do a Mock Driving Test or take you through your Defensive Driving Course.