It’s Road Safety Week in New Zealand and this year the theme is ‘Be a Road Safety Hero.’
Whether you walk, ride, drive, or take the bus, these tips will help you stay safe and do your part to keep our roads safe for everyone.
Walking: Stay Visible and Alert 🚶
- Wear high-vis gear – Reflective vests, arm bands, or even bright bags make you more visible to drivers in low light.
- Stick to well-lit paths – Choose routes with good lighting and foot traffic. Avoid shortcuts through poorly lit or isolated areas.
- Use pedestrian crossings – Always cross at lights or pedestrian crossings, even if it takes longer.
- Avoid distractions – Keep phone use to a minimum and turn off or remove earphones near intersections or driveways.
- Be weather conscious – Rain and fog during winter can reduce visibility. Carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat and put on a pair of non-slip footwear.
Cycling: Gear Up for Safety 🚲
- Use front and rear lights – It’s essential for being seen after dark.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet – It could save your life.
- Add reflectors or reflective tape – On your bike, helmet, and backpack.
- Ride predictably – Follow the flow of traffic, use hand signals, and stay in bike lanes.
- Check your bike before each ride – Tyres, brakes, lights and chain should all be in working order.
E-Scooters: Ride Smart 🛴
- Always wear a helmet – It’s mandatory in New Zealand and protects you in falls.
- Use bike lanes where available – Avoid footpaths unless signage says otherwise.
- Be seen – Add reflective stickers to your scooter and wear bright or high-vis clothing.
- Ride one person per scooter – Carrying a passenger is unsafe and illegal.
- Check battery level before leaving – Avoid getting stranded on a dark road or isolated path.
Driving: Focus and Fatigue Management 🚗
- Don’t drive tired – Fatigue can be as dangerous as drink driving. If in doubt, call for a ride or rest before driving.
- Keep your windscreen clean – Glare from oncoming lights or the sunrise/sunset can reduce visibility fast.
- Limit distractions – Set GPS and playlists before leaving and keep your phone out of reach.
- Stick to speed limits – Especially in industrial or residential areas where visibility may be reduced.
- Share your travel plans – Let someone know when you’re on your way, especially for long or late drives.
Public Transport: Plan Ahead and Stay Safe 🚌
- Know your schedule – Off-peak transport runs less frequently. Use journey planning apps to avoid long waits.
- Wait in well-lit areas – Stand near security cameras or stay with a group while waiting when possible.
- Stay alert – Keep your phone handy, but be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
- Secure your belongings – Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Report anything suspicious – Trust your instincts and notify staff if something doesn’t feel right.
Be a Road Safety Hero
Whether you’re clocking in at dawn or heading home after a long night, you deserve to get there safely. Every smart choice makes a difference.
But being a road safety hero doesn’t stop at your commute.
Are there road safety issues in your local area? Maybe your route could use clearer signage, safer pedestrian crossings, or lower speed limits. Shift workers often notice hazards that others might miss because they’re on the roads when visibility is lower and traffic behaviour changes.
You can be a voice for change. Speak up, share your concerns, and consider working with your local council or community groups to raise awareness and make improvements. Small actions can lead to safer streets for everyone.