Driving on Auckland's motorways is a challenge. All crashes create some disturbance to traffic flows and add to congestion. RoadSafe Auckland and NZ Transport Agency have an ongoing programme of campaigns aimed at improving lane discipline - merging, indicating, and keeping a safe following distance.

Land Transport NZ crash data trends for the 2003-2007 period show that the leading road safety issues on Auckland motorways are:

• Night time
  
• Rear end
  
• Poor observation
  
• Alcohol

Safe Driving on the Motorway

Whether you are an experienced driver, a novice, or someone not used to Auckland there are a few simple things you can do to be safer.

Plan Ahead

Know the on-ramp you are going to use and know the exit. Auckland road maps show the interchanges. Exit signs include the major road or place the exit leads to (check the map for the major road to want to use). Have plenty of gas for your trip. Running out of petrol on the motorway can result in a fine.

As you enter the motorway

Indicate before you merge with other vehicles. Adjust your speed to fit in front or behind other vehicles already on the motorway - vehicles already on the motorway have right of way. Look, and look again before making your move. Merge like a zip.

While on the motorway

Keep a safe following distance - always expect vehicles in front to slow or stop without warning. Motorways work best when motorists maintain a constant and reasonable speed, show courtesy by letting others in, and avoid unnecessary lane changes. Keep left if you are not overtaking - don't sit in the middle lane - others will be more likely to tailgate or overtake you dangerously. Indicate for 3 seconds before all lane changes (it's the law and it helps other drivers know what you are doing). Look, and look again (check for blind spots) before making your move. Scan ahead, behind and to your sides - use your mirrors regularly. Check your speed - max. speed is 100kph.

Remember the 2-second rule for a safe following distance.

As you exit the motorway

Get into the correct lane early before you exit. Indicate that you are exiting and start to slow down near the off-ramp.

If you breakdown on the motorway, indicate and pull over to the side of the motorway slowly to stop.