More than half of young Kiwi drivers in AA survey admit to texting and messaging while driving
Of the 1042 drivers aged 18 to 25 surveyed by the AA Research Foundation in 2025, 23% admitted to scrolling social media while behind the wheel.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) estimates a driver is about four times more likely to be involved in a crash when using a phone.
The AA and Kaitiaki o Ara/Students Against Dangerous Driving (Sadd) are advocating for young drivers to turn on the do-not-disturb feature on their phones before getting behind the wheel.
Sadd general manager Donna Govorko said younger drivers are significantly more prone to phone distractions.
Turning on the feature, which silences notifications, would help young motorists stay focused while on the road, said Govorko.
“This is the generation who have grown up in a time when social media and mobile phones are rooted in our daily lives, but we cannot let distracted driving become the norm when lives are at stake.
“That’s why we want our young drivers, and indeed all drivers, to try out the ‘do not disturb’ feature on their smartphone whenever they are behind the wheel.
“By removing the temptation of alerts and vibrations, hopefully people are more likely to concentrate on the road ahead and their actions behind the wheel.”
New Zealand’s young drivers have the highest rates of road deaths in the OECD.
The rates are also substantially above those of older age groups in New Zealand, said the AA.
Its road safety spokesman, Dylan Thomsen, said if New Zealand had the same rate of road deaths among young people as Australia does, 20 fewer Kiwis would die each year.
He believes the use of the do-not-disturb feature “could be a game changer”.
Turning it on before driving is a quick, easy, and effective strategy to limit distractions, he said.
Sadd is encouraging New Zealand youth to “show up” for their peers and take responsibility for their choices in its newest road safety campaign.
“Getting your mate to buckle up, stopping your friend from driving drunk, or pointing out do-not-disturb to your driver are all simple and potentially life-saving ways our rangatahi can make a difference,” said Govorko.
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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36.6% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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62.6% No, I enjoy it
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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40.2% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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21.1% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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35.1% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
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