It is possible that the high cost of petrol means that there were fewer cars on the roads. However, it is more likely that drivers were worried about getting a fine for speeding. The police said they would give fines to anyone who was driving 4km over the speed limit. Drivers who had cruise control in their car could set the cruise control for 100km an hour on straight roads to help them keep to the speed limit.

　　There are also many billboards beside the road reminding drivers about safety. Some billboards said, “Slow down. Winter is here.” Other billboards suggested that drivers turn on their headlights to help other drivers see them. The message was, “Be safe. Be seen.” Another message said, “Tired drivers cause accidents. Take a break.”

　　New Zealand does not have many four-lane highways. This is because of our small population and our geography. Much of New Zealand is hilly with many rivers. Roads go up and down, around bends and over bridges. However, each year, money is spent on making the roads safer. There are more passing lanes now. Some dangerous bends have gone but drivers need to concentrate when they drive on New Zealand roads.

　　Grammar

　　“fewer cars” or “less cars”? The rule is use “fewer” for countable nouns and “less” for uncountable nouns. However, many native speakers of English don’t know this rule so you will often hear “less” for both countable and uncountable. Language changes and before very long, this could be a permanent change.

　　“over the weekend” – this is the same as saying “during the weekend”.

　　Questions

　　Do you think drivers take notice of messages on billboards?

　　Another reason for the zero death toll over the weekend could be the cost of holidays. Perhaps people stayed home. Can you think of other reasons?