Latest news with #AAInsurance
Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Road Rage And Abusive Behaviour Concerns Road Freight Operators
The 2025 National Road Freight Survey has raised concerns about truck drivers facing road rage and abuse while doing their jobs. The survey of 194 industry participants across 128 road freight firms asked respondents to rank their three leading issues, ranging from health and wellbeing of drivers to the state of the roading network. Of the survey respondents who identified public perception and industry reputation as one of their leading issues, 50 per cent said their drivers regularly experienced abuse from members of the public while working. These findings were supported by results from a survey from AA Insurance earlier in the year, showing nearly half of respondents thought road rage had intensified over the past 12 months. Billy Clemens, head of Transporting New Zealand's Policy & Advocacy, says while most of the public view truck drivers positively, a small minority of road users were putting others at risk. "Research NZ surveyed 1005 members of the public and found more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent, the remainder being neutral). "Transporting New Zealand's concerns about road rage and abuse are focussed on a very small proportion of road users." "What worries us and our road freight members are truck drivers being harassed and abused while going about their work. Truck driving is challenging enough without drivers having to ignore insults and abuse, de-escalate disputes, and refer threatening behaviour onto Police." Clemens acknowledged that trucks could challenge people's patience on the road, but encouraged all road users to show patience and consideration, and report poor driving to Police at -555. "Trucks are limited to a maximum of 90 km/h on all roads, need additional time to speed up and slow down, and need to take particular care on narrow roads and corners. "Drivers also need to park up their trucks to take mandated rest breaks. These factors can all contribute to frustration from other road users, but we encourage everyone to be considerate." Transporting New Zealand is also responding to these concerns by providing practical guidance to truck drivers on how to resolve incidents of road rage and abuse. This includes a session on practical de-escalation and conflict resolution skills at its South Island Road Freight Seminar in Christchurch on 28 June. The session will be presented by Protect Self Defence, with supporting resources and videos to be shared publicly afterwards, supported by the E. J. Brenan Memorial Trust. Transporting New Zealand also continues to advocate for roading improvements that reduce the risk of driver frustration and impatience, including additional passing lanes, widening narrow corners, and providing improved rest and parking facilities for trucks and other vehicles. "With a combination of education, roading improvements, and considerate behaviour, we can make the roads safer for everyone." About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
NZ Herald
11-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Auckland journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton shares update after car sideswiped in Kingsland
Wilhelmina Shrimpton identified the alleged driver who sideswiped her car in Kingsland. She used her skills as a broadcaster to search for a resolution to the incident. She says her insurance excess has been waived as a result. Auckland-based journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton believes the culprit who sideswiped her car in Kingsland has been identified. The broadcaster was out for dinner with her fiancé and friends in Kingsland on the night of April 19. After dining at a restaurant for a few hours, the pair found someone had sideswiped her CX5 SUV while it was parked on New North Rd. The alleged driver left a note with only a phone number attached, telling Shrimpton they didn't have insurance. Shrimpton said it failed to give further information, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Drawing on her broadcasting experience, she got in front of the camera on Instagram as she went back 'to the scene of the crime' to door-knock homes and businesses and look for clues. She managed to obtain a number plate, which allowed her to identify the car as a Toyota Prius. In her latest Instagram story, Shrimpton said the alleged driver's details were recently passed on to her insurance company. 'This week, we received a text from AA Insurance telling us our excess had indeed been waived, leading us to believe those details were true and correct.' Shrimpton told the viewers her 'munched up' car couldn't be fixed until May 20. Fortunately, she's been loaned a Volvo XC60 as a temporary replacement. 'Let me tell you this, let me tell you this now: This sister sure as hell won't be parking anytime in Kingsland.' Earlier, the Kiwi broadcaster told the Herald the ordeal has highlighted just how much New Zealanders need better insurance protections to feel safe and drive confidently on the roads. New Zealand doesn't have compulsory vehicle insurance, largely as ACC covers the injury-related side of costs. Despite all the trouble, Shrimpton enjoyed making light out of the situation and talking to people who loved seeing her return to their screens. 'When life gives you lemons, make a G&T and have a laugh.'
