How to stay safe on the roads at Easter weekend

Drivers need to look 12 seconds ahead on the road to avoid a crash, particularly during the busy Easter weekend, road safety experts say.

And when an oncoming driver makes a surprise move, make sure there’s an escape plan already in place.

The advice comes before a higher risk time on the roads as holidaymakers flock to destinations to indulge in the last of the summer sun.

Last year, two people died in road crashes over the autumn holiday. The year before, four lives were lost.

New Zealand is already facing an abysmal road toll this year with 100 fatalities in the first 86 days of 2018.

At the same time last year the road toll stood at 84.

Speeding, drink-driving and distraction were the main contributors to crashes during the last Easter weekend, police said.

‘‘We know the four main behaviours that contribute to road trauma are going too fast for the conditions, impairment [such as fatigue, drugs, or alcohol), distractions (such as using a cellphone], and not wearing seatbelts,’’ assistant commissioner for road policing Superintendent Sandra Venables said.

‘‘I would like to see everybody make it through the weekend safely.’’

To mitigate the chances of a crash, drivers need to scan an estimated 12 seconds ahead, road safety consultant Peter Sheppard said.

‘‘Read the road as far ahead as you can. Scan the road and maintain really good following distances.

‘‘It gives you more time to react, more time to make a decision. Be prepared for the surprise actions of other drivers.’’

If you are surprised by an oncoming driver, take the preplanned exit route.

‘‘Always look for an escape route when you’re driving - always to the left.

‘‘And if there’s no escape route, back off the gas.’’

He recommended motorists map their journeys to understand how long it will take them to reach a destination.

‘‘Fatigue comes into play - if you’re going from A to B, think about whether everyone is going to be leaving at the same time.’’

Drivers tended to become more impatient over long weekends, he said. This often led to impulsive ‘‘bad decision-making’’. Tail-gating was a common irk. ‘‘Increase your following distance to the vehicle ahead of you - that gives you more time to stop and also there’s a gap where the tailgater can overtake.

‘‘Put the monkey in front of you.’’

A recent AA report found ‘‘reckless behaviour’’ caused half of the country’s fatal and serious injury crashes.

The report, which analysed 300 passenger vehicle crashes, including drink-driving and speeding, noted that even responsible drivers occasionally made mistakes.

About three-quarters of the serious injury crashes studied involved drivers who generally obeying the road rules but crashed after making an error.

‘‘Be prepared for the unexpected actions of others,’’ Sheppard said.

‘‘Watch the position of the vehicle in front of you, watch for their indicators as to how they will move on the road.’’

Canterbury roads claimed the most lives this year, recording 20 fatalities, followed by the wider Waikato, where 19 people have died.

‘‘There’s been a trend in the higher age group of 40, 50 and 60s, but we can’t put it down to one cause,’’ Sheppard said.

While the weather looks bright this long weekend, the traffic will likely be heavy.

To avoid the queues, hit the road outside of peak travel times, the NZ Transport Agency advises.

Based on previous year’s travel patterns, the agency has collated maps that show the peak congestion times on main highways through the country.

Typical peak times are Thursdays from 4-6pm; Fridays 10am to 2pm; Mondays 11am to 4pm.

‘‘Queues and delays can be expected at the most popular times across the state highway network as large numbers of people head off to their usual holiday destinations,’’ NZ Transport Agency senior journey manager Neil Walker said.

‘‘People should try to avoid travelling at the busiest periods. Plan your travel in advance to reduce stress and to help to reduce congestion and delays so the journey is safer and more enjoyable.’’

All roadworks will be on hold during the Easter Weekend.

When an oncoming driver makes a surprise move, make sure there’s an escape plan in place.