新西兰英语 444 Safer driving over the weekend

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　　It is possible that the high cost of petrol means¹ 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 cruise² 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 billboards³ 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 hilly⁴ 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 lanes⁵ now. Some dangerous bends have gone but drivers need to concentrate⁶ when they drive on New Zealand roads.

　　Grammar

　　“fewer cars” or “less cars”? The rule is use “fewer” for countable⁷ nouns⁸ 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 permanent⁹ 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 toll¹⁰ over the weekend could be the cost of holidays. Perhaps people stayed home. Can you think of other reasons?

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