Me and my car: Dylan Thomsen

Picture / Sarah White

Dylan Thomsen is communications adviser in the AA Motoring Affairs team in Wellington, focusing on improving road safety, being the motorist's champion and pushing for better roads and transport infrastructure.

What do you drive?

A dark blue 2009 Mazda6 2-litre station wagon. We wanted a car with a five-star safety rating and a station wagon so we drew up a shortlist of options and the Mazda6 was the one my partner and I enjoyed driving the best. It's smooth and quiet and has heaps of space for us, our son and our dog. It's the first car I've had with air con, so being able to drive around in summer without the car being an oven has been amazing. Or I'm sure it will be when we get a summer in Wellington.

What's the main consideration when buying a car?

A lot of my work is related to road crashes, so I want a vehicle that is going to protect me and my family as much as possible if things go wrong. Before I started working at the AA I didn't even know cars had different crash ratings. You've got to have something you enjoy driving as well, though.

Your first car?

A 1992 Toyota Corolla which I bought with 90,000km on the clock in 2000. It was an FX-GTV hatchback and, as a friend of mine said, it was as cool as a Toyota Corolla can get.

Your dream car?

An Audi or Volvo maybe.

Who taught you to drive?

My mum took me out a few times but she'd get nervous, which made me nervous, and pretty soon there was more tension in the car than Tiger Woods and Steve Williams going for a drive. Once I'd had a few lessons with an instructor and got a bit of confidence, Mum was able to relax more in the passenger seat.

Manual or automatic?

Manual. It feels like you're more actively driving and are more in control. If you're stuck in traffic, though, an auto is a beautiful thing.

Most memorable road trip?

We went up to Waitangi for Waitangi Day once. It's different being there to the impression you get from media coverage. Generally a bunch of people having a nice day, checking out our history, listening to some bands, and an occasional group of protesters.

What do you listen to?

Mainly the radio - a mix of The Rock, Radio Sport and Radio NZ.

What's a great day trip out of Wellington?

Going to the Wairarapa and heading to Cape Palliser or Castlepoint for a surf then maybe to a cafe in Martinborough. If you've got young kids, then heading to Raumati Park on the Kapiti Coast is great. Grab some fish and chips and let the kids run wild in the water park.

Do you judge people by what they drive?

No. Some people love their cars, for some people they are just a tool, and some of my favourite people don't even have a car.

Would you rather drive or take public transport?

I catch the train to work and it's great. I can read, catch up on work or just relax. Outside of going to work I drive. It's quicker, easier.

Who is allowed to drive your car?

It's a car not a black-tie dinner! My partner drives it and, as long as they have a licence and are fit to drive, I'd chuck the keys to friends or family.

Is there space for bikes and cars on NZ roads?

Yes, but we need better cycling routes and to be separating people on bikes from people in cars on higher speed roads. We also have to change the "them and us" mentality some people have.

What most infuriates you about other drivers?

People following too closely. Keeping at least a two-second following distance means that when something unexpected happens in front of you - and it will at some stage - you'll have time to react. I'd love every driver to do a check and actually count out "one-thousand one, one-thousand two" when they are following another vehicle, and do it frequently.

As told to Donna McIntyre