Covering an area of 2745km2 from the west to east coast, Rodney District is the gateway to the Far North via State Highway 1 or 16. We want to ensure every person travelling in or through our beautiful district does so safely.
Drive to the road conditions
To keep control of the vehicle, slow down for winding roads, sharp turns, steep gradients and gravel surfaces. Reducing your speed in these conditions may prevent you skidding off the road or onto the wrong side into oncoming traffic.
Drive to the weather conditions
Rain quickly reduces tyre grip and excess water on the road can spell disaster. Wind gusts can side-swipe you unexpectedly, while sun glare can blind you. Weather conditions can change quickly.
If the weather is changeable, use your headlights, window-wipers, demisters and sun visors before you need them. Drive responsibly and reduce your speed.
Drive to the traffic conditions
During rush hour, holidays or special events when there is more traffic going at a slower pace, go with the flow, do not take unnecessary risks overtaking, and keep a safe following distance.
The speed limit is not the safe option – slow down. Allow more time to reach your destination, travel earlier or later than the peak times, or take an alternative route.
Be prepared for the unexpected
The roading network in Rodney consists of state highways, a motorway, rural gravel roads and urban through roads, and provide plenty of opportunity for the unexpected to happen. Pedestrians stepping out to cross the road, cyclists, vehicles pulling out from side roads, livestock, tractors and road works can catch drivers unawares.
Stay alert and slow down so you can have time to react safely if the unexpected happens.
Detour maps
If there is a crash or other incident blocking key roads in Rodney, the Detour Maps below provides details on how to get to your destination safely.
Road safety statistics
- The road toll for Rodney in 2007 was 13.
- The annual average road toll for Rodney for 2003–2007 was 17.4.
- The 2007 road toll for the Auckland region was 61.
For more statistics visit NZ Transport Agency.
Related links:
Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA)
RoadSense
KidSafe
Bikewise
Road Safe Auckland
NZ Transport Agency
Practice - The plan for learning to drive safely