Changes to the Give Way Rules - 25th March 2012
Promoting Safer Motoring
At 5am on Sunday the 25th of March, the NZ Transport Agency are changing the laws that drivers use to determine who has the right of way at intersections. This is part of the Government's "Safer Journeys" roading strategy, and is expected to reduce intersection crashes and improve safety for all road users.
It has been estimated that the changes will bring about a 7 percent reduction in related intersection crashes, and potentially will save 1 life and prevent 97 injuries each year.
What are the changes?
There are two changes that take effect on this date. Below is a brief summary of these changes:
Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule
From 5am on 25 March 2012, this new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This only applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where:
a) both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)
b) both vehicles are facing give way signs
c) both vehicles are facing stop signs
d) both vehicles are facing green traffic signals
Change 2: At uncontrolled T-intersections
Also from 5am on 25 March 2012, at an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). This will bring it into line with T-intersections where there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road.
Please visit the website www.giveway.govt.nz for a more detailed explanation of these changes.
What do the changes mean for you?
For the weeks and months around the changeover, it is very important that all road users act with increased caution and courtesy. Be vigilant of other road users who may not be aware of the changes, as even if you have the right of way it's better to avoid an accident and any potential injury.
In particular, for any accidents that happen on the 25th of March 2012, it's very important to note the time of the accident.
What if you are involved in an accident?
If you do happen to be involved in an accident, the first priority is always safety. Check for injured persons, and contact emergency services immediately if anyone is injured. Please note that any accident involving injuries must be reported to the Police by law.
If possible, warn oncoming traffic of the crash, but always make sure that you stay safe yourself - always make sure that you stay well clear of any moving traffic around you.
As always, it is important not to admit liability - as your insurer, we will always act with your best interests in mind when determining liability with any other parties involved.
Take the time to obtain as many details as you can about any drivers and vehicles involved (including any witnesses), such as:
- Vehicle make, model, colour and registration number
- Driver name, address, phone number, and insurer (if they have one)
- Date, time and location of the accident
- Road conditions, direction of travel, and the position of the cars
If you are able to safely do so, take some photos (even with your phone) of the vehicles positions, damage, and any contributing factors on the road (skid marks, etc). If there were any witnesses, ask if you can have their contact details as well.
These little details can really speed up the processing of your claim, and help us to have your car repaired and back on the road as soon as possible.
For more information on making a claim under your car insurance or motorcycle insurance policy with Protecta, please see Making a Claim, or call Protecta on 0800 776 832.
For more information on the rule change, please see the website www.giveway.govt.nz or call the NZTA's contact centre on 0800 656 055.
Return to News and Events