A Queenstown call for action over high-risk tourist drivers has been backed by 10,000 people in 48 hours.
Will Palmer's petition on change.org calls on the Ministry of Transport to introduce measures to curb the threat from inept overseas motorists.
Widespread public outrage has followed a tragic weekend on South Island roads.
Mr Palmer's petition says: ‘‘We have to do something about this problem before more and more people are put at risk, injured or even worse, killed on New Zealand's roads.''
Mr Palmer (25), a Queenstown hostel manager, wants mandatory tests for non-English speaking tourists and those who normally drive on the right.
He also said rental firms should be told to install dashboard cams in their cars.
At the very least, they should show instructional videos to tourists before handing over the keys, he says.
‘‘There's very little education for tourist drivers, so I decided to start the ball rolling, and it's snowballed,'' he said.
‘‘There's a lot of concern out there.''
The Government has played down the idea of mandatory tests.
Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says: ‘‘Any written or practical test for overseas drivers could impinge on New Zealanders' freedom to drive in other countries.
‘‘It may also be in breach of New Zealand's legal obligations under the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic Treaties.''
The Automobile Association is also against testing, saying both theoretical and physical tests are not a pragmatic or practical solution.
Its stance was revealed in a submission to Parliament two weeks ago - on a 31,250-signature petition by South Canterbury brothers Cody (9) and Sean (10) Roberts. Their father, Grant, was killed in a collision with a Chinese driver in 2012.
AA policy and research manager Simon Douglas said tests would not make a difference and small changes to highways in tourist hotspots would be more effective.
The Government-led visiting drivers signature project is looking at measures such as rumble strips, median barriers, laybys and photography maps showing where it is safe to take photos.
Cromwell commuter Danielle Robertson (21), who signed Mr Palmer's petition, said: ‘‘I think everyone's a bit wary and nervous now because of all the crashes and deaths.
‘‘I come through Kawarau Gorge to work every day and you have to be very cautious - especially at the Crown Range and Arrow Junctions, where they'll just pull out without any appreciation of how fast cars are coming.
‘‘I read [that] some think if there are no yellow lines, you can drive on the wrong side. That's pretty worrying because there's so many blind bends on that road.
‘‘It's a serious problem in this area and I feel strongly about it.
‘‘It might not be a national issue, but this is the tourist capital and our roads are not easy.''
National Waitaki MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary for Tourism Jacqui Dean also asked: ‘‘How many more lives need to be lost, how many more families need to be destroyed, before the issue is thoroughly addressed?''
New Zealand Transport Agency figures show 43% of fatal crashes in Central Otago between 2009 and 2012 involved overseas licence-holders. paul.taylor@scene.co.nz
