Stef_Paul

Hello everyone...

I thought this might be an interesting topic...Kiwi drivers....

Firstly if there are any Kiwi's reading this I want to say that I think you are seriously a great bunch of people, so friendly, but when you are behind the wheel you turn into absolute nutters! LOL

Has anyone here joined me in the experience? They overtake on blind bends, overtake about 5 cars when something is coming the other way, pull out of junctions in front of you without a care in the world and I have found out today that they go out of their way to try and knock down pedestrians!!! LOL I have used some pretty nasty language this afternoon at a driver (words that shouldn't come out of a ladies mouth) who nearly killed me for the fun of it and all his mates in the car.

I also find roundabouts baffle them and indicators...what are they??!! LOL.

Don't take this to heart, not trying to offend but thought it would add some comedy as I am sure most of you will know what I am talking about.

Stef

Jude J

Oh stef, you do make me laugh!
I only have a 5 minute drive to work but something happens almost every day. I make allowances, I always leave a big enough gap between me and the next car incase they do something daft and unpredictable, like turning a corner without indicating. I have been involved in one smash since I got my own car last September and that was a french lady, living here, that was looking behind her on the motorway and hadn't realised the traffic had come to a standstill and so she drove into the back of my car.

My hubby taught my daughter how to drive and she is not too bad at the moment, but I threatened to take her keys away when she was giving me a lift and she answered a call on her mobile! I hate that! Hope she wont do it again but I cant be with her all the time.

brussels_sprout

Outside of Auckland, Kiwi drivers are the best, safest drivers I have ever experienced, i laugh out loud at anyone who complains about driving in NZ, try driving around 3 or 4 in the afternoon in Italy or France just after the restaurants throw out. NZ does have quite a high death rate on the roads, twice that of England, but this due to geography and road design

Nerine

They'll all be back at school in a week or so, the roads will be much quieter then.

(Now you know why people drive big as 4 wheel drives with bull bars on the front)

How do you know they are all Kiwis anyway?

lardyl

yeah I see what you are saying about the French before and after lunch, but at least you expect no manners and craziness when you look at their temperament, never mind the Italians, Spanish, etc
But it is suprising that somewhat introverted, stand-offish Kiwis become raging loons, or hoons when they get behind the wheel.
Fair point about Auckland, but the area where the madness extends is quite large - certainly at lest 35km north.
Having limited experience on South Island and none in Welly I would tend to agree, although the Hoons seem prevalent almost everywhere (just by the skid/tyre marks on roads everywhere in NZ). Also the French can be safer tailgating on their roads as they tend, as you say, to be wider and better maintained, whereas the overtaking and tailgating here is not as safe, especially when it is taken along with flash flooding, sun strike and other hazards associated with our "different" climate.

lardyl

Some seriously bad driving comes from tourists and has resulted in several high profile, tragic cases...

Stef_Paul

Fair comment and yes I have seen some pretty bad driving from tourists also!!

Like I say it was a light hearted post, not meant to cause any offence, I love Kiwi's. I would say that at least half of the incidents I have seen have been Kiwi's and that is enough for 5 weeks of being here!

lardyl

We had the same sort of experiences but lo and behold I am now somewhat more laid back......

Nerine

You've not offended anyone.

Give it a little while and you'll find yourself driving differently and predicting what they're going to do.

RobClubley

I'm kinda used to it now. I just expect appalling driving and am not usually disappointed.

Of course I am a perfect driver and never make a mistake!!

Jude J

Exactly! Its quite an art.

Elizabeth I

Yep, kiwi drivers truly suck behind a wheel. The joke is, a few years ago they were blaming immigrants and foreigners for bad driving! Can you believe that? Sheesh, talk about the proverbial plank in the eye syndrome.....

Elizabeth I

That's a kiwi favourite that one!

Elizabeth I

ROFL! Oh man, stop, this is too funny.

Elizabeth I

Sure do. hee hee.