Park car this Easter says AA

By its nature, the AA is an organisation that promotes driving and car travel.

But this Easter, for the first time ever, it’s urging its members not to drive.

“It may seem like a surprising message for the Automobile Association to be asking people not to drive unless you absolutely have to but it’s a sign of the unprecedented times we are currently in,” says AA motoring affairs general manager Mike Noon.

“We’re adding our voice to the authorities and reminding everyone to not be tempted to travel or visit family or friends this weekend.

“Unless you’re making an essential trip, like for food or medical supplies, you shouldn’t be on the roads.”

Though traffic volumes have dropped dramitcally during the COVID-19 lockdown, Noon says there have still been eight fatal crashes.

“Just because the roads are quiet doesn’t mean all the risks are gone,” he says, urging people using cars for essential trips to be alert and keep safety in mind.

“Stay focused on your driving. With few vehicles around it can be easy to have your mind drift to other things,” Noon says. “Don’t let your speed creep up because the roads are empty.”

And, he adds, “there may be people walking or cycling in unexpected places so share the road safely and take extra care around them.”