With so many of us making our way around the country this summer, there’ll be more traffic on the roads than usual. Whether you’re attending family gatherings, taking a road trip with friends, or hiring a rental car to see the sights, you’ll need to be extra vigilant. To help you out, we’ve put together a few of our best tips for staying safe on the roads this summer.
1. Plan ahead
It’s important that before you set off, you know where you’re going and approximately how long it will take to get there. If you can, plan your travel to avoid the worst peak traffic periods. Take a look at your route to see if there’s any construction planned and factor that into your driving time too.
2. Check your vehicle
Especially if you’re taking a longer journey, make sure you check the pressure and tread of your tyres. You should also look over the oil and water levels of your vehicle, and check that all lights, indicators and windscreen wipers are working to avoid any complications on the road. You’ll also need to have a current registration and Warrant of Fitness on your vehicle.
3. Keep your cool
Driving throughout busy times can often leave us boiling with frustration, especially when we’re stuck in traffic with the summer sun beating down on us. Try to allow yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey so you won’t be rushing to get to your destination by a certain time. Create a playlist of some of your favourite music before you go, or play some games in the car to pass the time.
4. Drive to the conditions
As we all know, the New Zealand weather can change quickly, especially if you’re travelling through many different parts of the country. Remember to always drive to the conditions, but this doesn’t just mean the weather. Drive in consideration of the road you’re on, the traffic around you, the speed limit, and the load of your vehicle.
5. Watch out for fatigue
It’s easy to feel tired when you’re driving, especially in the peak of summer. Make sure that you schedule in regular rest stops throughout your journey, and keep hydrated and cool as much as possible. Where you can, share the driving with another person so you can take a break every so often.
Stay safe on the roads this summer, everyone! And don’t forget, if you need a last-minute rental car for the holidays, get in touch and we can get you sorted – after all, we’re Flexi!
