Killer Kiwi roads or killer Kiwi drivers?

Dave Moore asks if Kiwi roads or drivers can be blamed for accidents.

Killer roads or killer drivers? Dave Moore in Drivetalk - Stuff.co.nz
I always get my dander up when people say that our ‘crap roads’ are responsible for a lot of our road toll, and I won’t apologise for comparing our roads with Britain’s.
While the UK has more motorways than we do, its A and B roads are vastly inferior, both in terms of surface makeup and especially in terms of width…

Killer roads or killer drivers? Dave Moore in Drivetalk - Stuff.co.nz
I always get my dander up when people say that our ‘crap roads’ are responsible for a lot of our road toll, and I won’t apologise for comparing our roads with Britain’s.
While the UK has more motorways than we do, its A and B roads are vastly inferior, both in terms of surface makeup and especially in terms of width…

I’ve never seen, let alone driven on, a U.K. road but agree with his point. So often accidents are blamed on the road, speed, weather or the car when the real cause is plain bad driving for the prevailing conditions. I’ve had one collision in a car, a few incidents where it was pure luck there wasn’t a collision, and a few prangs on a bicycle. In every case it was attributable to driver error but not always me!

While many criticise the roads I’ve been more impressed with their quality given the population served. I think the South Island has had a better deal, in-spite of their complaining, as the highway’s are good AND empty!

I think the worst road is State Highway One and it’s only recently shown much evidence of improvement. Ideally it should be like the US Interstate with split twin lane roads from Whangarei to Invercargill. They’ve nearly managed this between Auckland & Hamilton but the rest is far from world class. There are sections of the existing route where it isn’t possible due to geography but I’d make sorting that project a high priority project.

So why do I hate the boring drag to Hamilton and invariably head over the bridge at Rangiriri in search of more interesting roads. Because, unfashionable as it is, I just enjoy driving for more than just the destination. I don’t enjoy traffic but away from peak times, rush hour or holidays, we don’t really have traffic problems. The thought of getting in the car to drive the length of the country would fill some with dread, or boredom, but I just love it.

It’s interesting that most the cycle tourists I’ve met travelling in New Zealand comment on the driving, it’s not great, but are shocked there’s no compulsory insurance component. Medical is covered by the Accident Compensation, which is far from perfect, but there’s no other cover.