School Holidays are a time to relax, celebrate and enjoy life, but Autumn can also be a particularly dangerous time on New Zealand roads. On average, 14 people have been killed and another 450 injured during each of the past five holiday periods (Christmas). Crashes occur during holidays for several reasons:

• traffic volume is heavier – more vehicles on the road means more risk of crashes

• many people are driving on unfamiliar roads

• fatigue sets in with people driving long hours – often early morning or late evening

• driving can be stressful and frustrating due to heat, traffic jams, noisy children, family tensions and general end-of-year tiredness

• people on holiday can let down their guard when it comes to road safety -  ie speeding, driving when tired, not buckling up

• there is an increased incidence of drink-driving during holiday periods

• thre are more trailers and caravans on the roads

With all these factors, heading out on holiday (especially with an unweildy trailer or caravan in tow) can be somewhat daunting - but driving during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or dangerous if you take a little time to make sure that you and your vehicle are safe before hitting the road.

For those towing trailers or caravans to and from their holiday destinatons, now's the time to familiarize yourselves with recommended safe towing practices and towing speed limits. Doing so could not only save you time, frustration, money and a ruined holiday thanks to unwanted fines, but also prevent you, your family or other road users from becoming yet another  road toll statistic these holidays.

We've put together a free, easy-to-follow guide to safe towing practices and speed limits in NZ to make sure your holidays are safe, happy and enjoyable and that you're still here to tell your friends about the great time you had once you're safely home again. Just hit the link below to get your copy now!