Insurance advice for safe Easter travels

The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) is reminding motorists to be careful and not take risks ahead of Easter weekend, especially when it comes to using their phones. “This is a busy time of year for car accidents,” ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton said. “Easter is a time when many Kiwis travel to see their families. Roads get busy, people get distracted or frustrated and accidents happen.” ICNZ noted that people increasingly use smartphones to check maps and traffic reports, follow navigation directions and check the details for trips in any number of apps. However, it emphasised insurers are aware that a growing number of accidents involve distracted motorists and that, often, those distractions are from smartphones. Insurance is there to put you back when things go wrong, but it can’t give you back the time you lost or the lives of those who may be killed by a moment’s inattention,” Grafton added. “The safest way to drive is the best. If you need to check your phone, pull over somewhere safe.