Nowhere fast: The art of Easter driving

Kiwi roads are notoriously busy over long weekends - especially as the biggest 'weather bomb' danger is probably sunburn. Photo / Thinkstock

The combination of the end of daylight savings, the change in give way rules and the start of the school holidays means driving this Easter could be fraught.

Most of us will be going nowhere fast.

As traffic streams out of our city centres, expect the motorways to be jam-packed and drivers still to be wondering if they need to give way.

So it pays to be prepared. Make sure your car and trailer have WOFs, you have enough snacks in case you become gridlocked longer than expected, and you have a full tank of gas.

The AA recommends the following Easter safe driving tips:

- Remember the ABCs for safe driving: stay Alert, take Breaks and be Considerate.

- Autumn weather can make for changeable conditions. Increase your following distance if roads are wet and take care when it first starts to rain as roads will then be greasy and slippery.

- Beware of sun strike in the morning and evening. Keep your windscreen clean and try to anticipate when to use your visor before the sun strikes your windscreen .

- Before a long journey check your warrant, tyre pressure, oil and windscreen washer fluid, and have water on hand in case you get stuck in a traffic jam.

- Get a good night's rest and don't drive when you are tired.

- Take breaks at least every two hours and, if you can, share the driving on longer journeys.

- Drive with your headlights on in the daytime, especially if light conditions are poor, to increase your visibility to other motorists

The police also have advice on coping with holiday driving:

- When packing your vehicle, make sure everything is securely stowed. Even small objects can become dangerous missiles in the event of a sudden stop or a crash.

- Don't let a speeding ticket mar your holiday. Buckle up with a seat belt and use approved child seats for restraining children. There is a $150 fine for each person not buckled in.

- If you need to pass a slower vehicle, wait for a passing lane or until you can see clear road ahead of you and enough space to overtake safely. Remember not to cut in too closely, especially in front of larger vehicles that take a longer time to brake and could end up hitting you from behind.

- Determine to be courteous and remain calm, even if provoked by other drivers' behaviour.

- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Use your indicators.

And, perhaps most importantly, do not run over any rabbits - it could be the Easter bunny!