Editorial: More to be done on road safety

There are clear reasons why a driver used to road conditions in another country, including driving on the other side of the road, may find driving here more hazardous than at home, writes Kim Gillespie. Photo / File

The debate over the safety of tourist drivers has become unhealthy.

This hasn't been helped by the vigilante actions of a few, with some overzealous South Island locals stopping visiting drivers and confiscating their keys.

Such events prompted an outpouring of scorn for anyone suggesting more could be done to keep overseas drivers safe on our roads, with many suggesting we sort out rubbish Kiwi drivers first.

I agree there are plenty of New Zealanders who shouldn't be allowed behind the wheel of a car, but we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that tourist safety on our roads is an issue.

People shouldn't be ridiculed for even suggesting it.

There are clear reasons why a driver used to road conditions in another country, including driving on the other side of the road, may find driving here more hazardous than at home.

Why is it such a reach to suggest perhaps not enough is being done to address the added danger, to tourists and locals, on our roads?

Some of our judges haven't been backwards in coming forwards.

As we reported in January, Judge James Weir told the Rotorua District Court the number of accidents caused by foreign drivers on New Zealand roads was concerning.

"A clear message needs to be sent out to foreign drivers who come into this country who cause this sort of mayhem."

When it comes to crashes, he's on the money, but we also need to recognise factors outside tourists' control, like our speed limits on rural roads.

The funding of safety improvements including rumble strips and no passing zones for South Island roads announced recently is a good move.

Road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson, who has researched the reasons for tourist crashes, says the Government can do even more.

Until we stop seeing this carnage on our roads, it might be a good idea to listen to his ideas.