Driving Miss Daisy

So many South Africans will tell you what a nanny state Australia is, and how the New Zealanders all drive around like doddering old fools.

Right.

I have never been in favour of breaking any laws, because my upbringing probably put the fear of death in the possible repercussions, and taught me that “the policeman will catch you” – obviously  stressing the moral and legal obligations involved.

Right.

So, during most of my adult driving life, I have been reasonably careful to ensure that I complied with the traffic laws, although I cannot deny that I certainly drove at speeds exceeding the limits. Of course, I relied on the South African excuse that everyone else was speeding as well.

Which clearly made it all right.

After three months in New Zealand, I have forgotten what a policeman looks like. I have never (and I can honestly attest to this) seen my speedo exceed 100 kph. I say this with a feeling of pleasure, in that I have (hopefully) mended my decadent road habits. And, as a bonus, I have a driver’s licence, which is respected as a valid form of photo-identity.

Anywhere at any time.

When driving out of Waikanae along Elizabeth Street, which becomes Reikorangi Road at the Water Treatment Plant, I have only once exceeded the 54 kph mark, but checked myself and slowed down from 60 when I noticed it. Now 50 does not seem to be walking pace anymore. It has become second-nature.

(Above): Elizabeth Street, the main road out of Waikanae. The speed restriction changes from 50 to 70 at the signposts in line with the red car.

Driving has become more of a pleasure and is quite relaxing. When two lanes merge into one, there is not jostling to see who can get ahead of whom, who can be first: here it is against  if you don’t give way for the guy who is slightly ahead of you. A simple solution, which makes you feel good.

(Above): At a typical T-junction, notice there is no “Stop” sign. This would suit most South Africans, who treat their Stop Streets, as we do these T-junctions. Obviously oncoming traffic from both directions have right of way. We do not race off from the side street in front of these oncoming vehicles (as you would, in South Africa).

(Above) Part of the Woolworths (now called “Countdown”) shopping parking area in Waikanae. Notice the trundler park with the green sign bottom left. The enclosure where you should return your shopping trolley – this is a D-I-Y society -- “trolley attendants” are really few and far between.

(Above): How to keep pedestrians and cyclists off the railway tracks at crossings. If you are not discouraged by a $10,000 fine, then … well, then…

NZ Transport Agency Factsheet 55 lists the following penalties: Alcohol and drug affected driving are serious offences and carry tough penalties, especially for repeat offenders. If you are convicted of a third or subsequent offence, you will be disqualified from driving for more than 1 year and either fined up to $6,000 or imprisoned for up to 2 years.
If you cause injury or death when driving carelessly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be disqualified and either fined up to $10,000 or sentenced to prison. Where a breath or blood test shows you were over the legal limit or shows evidence of the use of a controlled drug, you will be disqualified and either fined up to $20,000 or imprisoned for up to 5 years.

Speeding fines increase progressively from $30 for speeds less than 10km/h over the limit, to $630 for speeds up to 50km/h over the limit. In addition to a fine, you will also incur demerit points. See the Demerit points section for more information.
If your speed is more than 40km/h above the speed limit you can get a 28-day licence suspension, and at more than 50km/h over the limit you can also be charged with careless, dangerous or reckless driving.

Infringement fees range from $12 for parking offences to $10,000 for overloading offences. The infringement fee for not wearing a seat belt is $150.
Court imposed maximum fines for general driving offences range from $2000 for driving an unsafe vehicle, to up to $20,000 for reckless or dangerous driving causing injury or death to another person, or for failing to stop after a crash where someone is killed.

If you’re caught committing a serious driving offence that puts the lives of other road  users at risk, the police can suspend your licence, on the spot, for 28 days. This is called roadside licence suspension, but can happen anywhere. The police can apply to the court to extend the original 28-day suspension for a further 28 days, up to 3 times.