Foreign drivers no more dangerous on New Zealand roads than locals: minister

Overseas visitors to New Zealand are crashing on the roads for the same reasons as local motorists -- debunking myths that they are more dangerous behind the wheel, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss said Friday.

Foss released a Ministry of Transport report showing 3.8 percent of all drivers involved in all crashes from 2010 to 2014 were overseas licence holders while 5.7 percent of fatal and injury crashes involved an overseas licence holder.

The number of crashes involving overseas licence holders had stayed relatively constant over the last 10 years when the number of international visitors has increased by about 30 percent, Foss said in a statement.

"The report shows that very few short-term visitors crash within their first few days in New Zealand, and of those that do crash, fatigue is generally not a contributing factor. Overseas licence holders, including short-term visitors, crash for the same reasons as New Zealand drivers," said Foss.

"It debunks some common myths, such as visitors, especially those who usually drive on the right-hand side of the road, are crashing because they're tired after long-haul flights -- the data simply doesn't support this."

The government and rental car companies have begun a scheme to educate overseas license holders before they can get behind the wheel, following a rash of reports in recent years highlighting crashes involving foreign motorists.

The report would help to ensure road safety initiatives were targeted, efficient and effective, he said.

A second report from the ministry Friday showed 320 people died on New Zealand roads last year.

"The road toll report shows between 2001 and 2014, New Zealand's vehicle fleet increased by 32 percent, the population grew by 16 percent and travel was up by 15 percent," said Foss.

"Despite the high number of deaths last year, long-term road toll is falling, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that continues." Endit