Pro Camper

Summer 2017 is coming to an end and we have witnessed one of the busiest peak summer holiday seasons in decades. Campervan companies were fully booked months ago and 99% of all available campervans in New Zealand were on the roads from mid December through to February.

This is great news for the New Zealand economy and tourism operators, however, one negative aspect of the busy summer are increasing reports of road safety issues.

Together with local traffic, the additional tourist influx has led to many incidents of dangerous driving, near misses and, unfortunately, some serious accidents.

There have been many negative media reports about campervans on New Zealand roads this year and we have had repeated comments from clients, friends and family about poor driving behavior of some campervan travelers in New Zealand. 

Campervans are mostly large vehicles and therefore need to be driven at slower speeds compared to the standard car. Especially on some of New Zealand’s winding and narrow roads, extra care is required when driving a large vehicle.

Many international travelers need some time to get used to the new vehicle dimensions and driving on the left-hand side of the road. Choosing a campervan with automatic transmission can be of great assistance as the driver won’t need to worry about the gear shifts.

Driving through New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery makes travelers often unaware of following traffic. While they are enjoying the views, there may be multiple frustrated drivers following their campervan. This can lead to dangerous passing maneuvers as people get impatient and frustrated. Travelers should not forget that while they are on holiday, New Zealand locals may be in a hurry to get from A to B. Although “kiwis” are generally very friendly and easy-going people, they suffer from the same day-to-day stress and pressures of the hectic world today. 

It is very important to stay aware of following traffic. When a safe opportunity arises, drivers of campervans should slow down and perhaps even give the following vehicle a brief indicator sign that a takeover is possible. Especially if there is more than one car following, one should look out for a safe place to pull over to let traffic pass.

To ensure a fresh and alert mind, regular breaks are essential. New Zealand’s scenery and excellent restaurants/cafes are very inviting for multiple stops. A successful campervan hire holiday should not consist of driving all day, every day - allow plenty of time to enjoy some of the scenery, activities and pleasures New Zealand has to offer.

Stay Safe & Enjoy!

 

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ProCamper Limited has been operating since 2010 and specializes in Campervan Hire for clients visiting New Zealand and Australia. Regular campervan inspections and valuable industry knowledge enables ProCamper to provide ideal solutions for campervan holidays, combined with excellent customer service and competitive rates.

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Posted by Gigi - 28 March, 2017 at 10:52 am, Posted in Campervan Hire New Zealand | Motorhome Rental New Zealand