Patience over pressure: Small changes while sharing the road can save lives

1 May 2026

As Road Safety Week (4-10 May) begins this month, the Automobile Association is calling on all road users to choose patience over pressure when sharing the road.

Many serious crashes happen not because people intend harm, but because speed, stress, and poor judgement take over. Small decisions to slow down, wait, and give space, particularly around vulnerable road users, can make the difference between a near miss and a life changing crash.

“Awareness of other road users is becoming more important with our city populations growing and people choosing to walk, cycle and use e-scooters more¹,” says AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.

“Sharing the road safely doesn’t require major changes - just awareness, and patience for others,” he says.

One of the ways drivers can reduce risk is by leaving plenty of room when passing vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, and in rural areas horse riders.

The AA recently supported Government proposals to introduce a minimum passing distance for a vehicle going past a bike or horse rider - one metre at speeds of 60kmh or under, and 1.5m at higher speeds.

“Close passes, noise and fast speeds are scary and unsettling for road users like cyclists and horse riders,” says Dylan

“Drivers need to use a lot of caution particularly passing animals and children because both can be unpredictable.  There will be times when you’ll want to pass much slower than the posted speed limits and give as much space as possible.  

“Bad judgement calls by drivers do sometimes cause cyclists and horse riders to lose control and have resulted in deaths and serious injuries,” says Dylan.

If it’s not safe to pass with room to spare, it’s best to give yourself more time, slow down and wait, he says.

Vulnerable road users can also do a lot to protect themselves by wearing helmets, high visibility clothing and using lights if they’re out at dusk or dark. 

“Give yourself the best chance of being seen by using lights and hi-visibility clothing. These items, as well as reflectors, make a big difference in alerting other road users to your presence.

Dylan also stresses that even people hiring an e-bike or e-scooter for a short trip across the city can do more to protect themselves than many currently are.

“There’s no excuse – e-scooters and e-bikes for hire almost always come with a helmet - use it!  It’s such a simple thing but can save you from ending up in hospital.”

Road Safety Week is a timely reminder that driving to the conditions is about more than just adjusting your speed when it’s wet—it’s also being very aware and considerate of the people around you, which includes other drivers and particularly vulnerable road users.

“When you’re driving, slowing down even slightly gives you more time to react and greatly reduces the severity of any impact,” Dylan says.

“It’s one of the simplest and most effective safety actions we can all take.”

Dylan says safer roads are not just achieved by rules or enforcement, but shared responsibility.

“Drivers, push-bikes, e-bikes, pedestrians and horse riders all can get home safely if we take a few simple steps to protect ourselves and look out for each other.”

ENDS 

Note:

• Road Safety Week is led by the road safety charity Brake. The AA is one of many supporting organisations, schools and community groups. This year the AA has sponsored Road Crossing Patrol Superhero Day, as well as supporting the awareness week in other ways.
  
  
• ¹ An AA survey last year found AA Members are using public transport, walking and cycling more than 12 months ago (up to 22% said they’re using public transport more, 30% said they’re cycling more, and 21% said they’re walking more). These trends are likely continuing with current fuel prices making people even more conscious of costs associated with their transport choices.

For more information contact: 

Dylan Thomsen
AA Road Safety spokesperson
027 703 9935
dthomsen@aa.co.nz

Founded in 1903, the Automobile Association (AA) is one of New Zealand’s largest membership organisations offering a wide range of products and services to its 1.1 million personal Members and roadside support for an additional 1 million vehicles through business relationships. The AA represents Members’ interests, championing road safety and advocating for road users in Government and the media.