As the summer months approach and with Kiwis expected to hit the road over the holiday period, a new survey has revealed motorists' patience is wearing thin.
A recent survey conducted by AA Insurance has shone some light on Kiwi motorists' behaviour and one expert is urging us all to "keep a cool head".
The survey found almost half (46 percent) of Kiwis say road rage has become worse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while 28 percent said they had been involved in a road rage incident in the past 12 months.
With this summer expected to be one without any COVID-19 restrictions and the return of tourists, motor expert Beau Paparoa is urging Kiwis to plan their journeys well.
"Keep a cool head while they're out there," he said. "We are heading into a period where it will be busy on our roads."
The AA Insurance survey found poorly maintained roads are something Kiwis are overwhelmingly raging over; 59 percent of Kiwis in the North Island and 56 percent of those in the South deem our unmaintained roads as a safety issue.
Paparoa said those hitting the road over the summer period should expect some congestion as road works are expected across the motu.
"It's a perfect recipe for people to increase frustration. The key message from us is to show a bit of patience [and] allow time to get to their destination safely."
So what are the biggest distractions for Kiwi motorists?
The survey found 41 percent of Kiwis found other drivers the most distracting, while 26 percent said their mobile phones distracted them the most.
Paparoa said with the increase in busy roads, there is a "greater risk of distraction and ultimately vehicle accidents".
"We're calling on all drivers to be extra mindful of each other and allow plenty of time to arrive safely at their destination."
What are Kiwi motorists' biggest road safety concerns?
Sixty-nine percent of Kiwis worry about other distracted drivers, the survey found, while 65 percent are worried about dangerous and careless driving.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a big concern too; 58 percent of kiwis find drinking while driving a safety issue on Aotearoa's roads.
