Disturbing side to New Zealand motorists
EUROPEAN drivers in New Zealand often complain about the standard of driving evident on the roads, but nothing can prepare you for a reported incident in Rotorua this week.
Many excuses are made: the rural drunk, the narrowness of the roads, the single-lane gravel routes through winding valleys.
But, whatever the cause, New Zealand roads are haunted by traffic incidents and you are twice as likely to die in a road accident on NZ roads than you are in the UK.
Most days, reports of traffic carnage hits media outlets, but today's report of a woman left trapped in her upturned car while other drivers whizzed by is shocking by any standards.
Everyone was just driving around her car. You could see someone had crashed. There is no way she could have got out on her own.
Apparently there is no legal requirement for motorists to stop to help after an accident, but there is a moral duty.
Name and shame
I am certain most New Zealanders will be as shocked by this as I am, but it is indicative of the Kiwi attitude to the road toll and to road accidents in general that such a thing can happen.
If people do not act on clear morals, then sod personal freedom, bring on the law, or at least name and shame the perpetrators.
This New Zealand Life would certainly like to publish the details of all those motorists that drove by.
That incident was very scary and it is shocking that no one stopped. We lived in Belgium for 18 months and the poor standard of driving skills and agressive behaviour of the drivers was really bad. I believe Brussels is the car accident capital of Europe, far worse than what i have experienced over here.
Posted by: lavenderbongo | Jun 18, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Yes, when I sain Europeans I really meant 'Brits'
Posted by: William Knight | Jun 18, 2009 at 06:43 PM
I was afraid of NZ drivers for the first three years that I lived in NZ. I'm just not a very aggressive driver. And I always obey traffic rules.
Posted by: Juli Ryan | Jun 18, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I'm afraid of them. I try to keep to the speed limit and anticipate craziness. But it's as a pedestrian that I feel most vulnerable. Many don't stop at zebra crossings, and turn off main roads without giving way to walkers.
Posted by: William Knight | Jun 19, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Wow - thats terrible. We have been past several accidents since we have lived here, and always stop. Usually we are not needed - but that doesnt mean you dont check before driving on!
Last time we were needed - a guy came off his brand new Bike and had a hole where his knee should be. He would have been in dire straits of no one was there - cos he kept trying to walk off with his bike - 5 miles to town!
Ive certainly slowed down since living here - you have to to compensate for the idiots who cant handle a car!
Posted by: Avalon | Jun 19, 2009 at 11:30 AM
A friend (Brit) was telling me today about his recent traffic accident. SH2 driving out of Wellington, slows and stops for the two lanes of stationary traffic, while the bus behind him doesn't slow down
- until there is a screach of tyres for a few seconds
- and his car acts 'helps' to stop the bus
- crushing the car
- and propelling it forwards another three car lengths before it stops.
Fortunately he walks away dazed and confused.
I'm advised there were more serious injuries on the bus.
Driven by someone who is supposed to be a professional driver..
Kiwi drivers - point the car and put their foot to the floor. May the gods help anyone who gets in the way!
Posted by: Alan | Jun 19, 2009 at 09:05 PM