From driving in jandals to smoking, 2.7 million Kiwis driving dangerously

Monday, 1 June 2020

From driving in jandals, to smoking, to shaving, 2.7 million New Zealanders engage in some risky behaviour while behind the wheel, a survey has found.

The New Zealand Safe Driving Report 2020, by global comparison site Finder, found 76 per cent of the 1922 respondents admitted to a level of risky behaviour while driving, the equivalent of 2.7 million Kiwis.

Sixty-four per cent of respondents admitted to eating while driving, with 37 per cent acknowledging they had driven in jandals.

Smoking, answering the phone and texting all were in the top five of risky habits, while one per cent of people said they had read a newspaper, watched a movie or shaved while driving.

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Finder's New Zealand publisher, Kevin McHugh, said it was shocking to see how many people put their lives at risk while on the roads.

“It only takes a split second for concentration to lapse, yet some Kiwis are still snacking and yapping behind the wheel.

“Whether you’re answering a phone call or reaching into the back seat, taking your eyes off the road for a second can be the difference between life and death.'

As well as the risk of life, he said insurance companies would not pay out for damage incurred as a result of reckless driving.

'This means that if you’re texting and driving and run into another car, you’ll need to foot the bill for any damages yourself. This can set you back by thousands of dollars.'

Police Assistant Commissioner Lauano Sue Schwalger said people should remember the basics of road safety while driving.

'Wear your seatbelt, stay within the speed limit and drive to the conditions, put your phone away, always make sure you are sober and alert and share the driving if you can.'