“We want to remind drivers to be vigilant this winter about driving to the conditions,” says Superintendent Steve Greally, National Manager of Road Policing.
“There is real potential for harm when people drive at unsafe speeds for the conditions, or when they drive tired or affected by alcohol or drugs.”
That is why with the depths of winter upon us, Police and the NZ Transport Agency are undertaking our annual Operation Hōtoke (winter); to remind people about the increased risks of winter driving.
This is the second year of Operation Hōtoke, which started today at 8am and runs until 11pm on Tuesday 7 August. It involves Central, Canterbury, Tasman, and Southern Police districts.
“We want people to be aware they could encounter snow, ice, flooding, or high winds, and remember it’s vital they adjust to these conditions. You need to put the safety of yourself and your passengers first,” say Superintendent Greally.
“I also urge people not to discount fatigue as a safety risk. Driving tired means you are not giving your driving your full attention, and that is not wise on our alpine roads, or any road. With a lot of people using our ski fields at the moment there are more people on the roads around our ski resorts and we want everybody to enjoy their time on the ski fields and make it back home safely. So share the driving, make sure your driver is rested and alert, and drive to the conditions.”
The operation will see a Police presence around New Zealand’s popular routes and roads commonly used for transit to and from the ski fields, and will include Police’s Traffic Alcohol Group.
The Transport Agency’s Director Safety and Environment Harry Wilson says it’s important to drive to the conditions, and drivers are urged to plan ahead and prepare before they find themselves on an icy, wet, or snowbound road.
“It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so you need to drive more slowly than normal and double the two-second rule to ensure a safe distance between you and the car in front. It only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions, so we want people to be aware of the risks of driving in those conditions and to adjust their driving accordingly. We want everyone to have safe journeys this winter,” says Mr Wilson.
Winter driving tips from the NZ Transport Agency:
• Plan your journey – find out the latest winter driving conditions in your area by visiting www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.
• Avoid travel in bad weather if you can. Allow extra time if your travel can’t be delayed.
• Plan to drive during daylight hours when visibility is better and hazards like ice and snow are less likely. These hazards rapidly multiply at night.
• If driving a long way, take regular breaks and share the driving where you can.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle in case of diversions or road closures.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning that could cause you to skid. Accelerate and brake gently. Use your highest gear travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
• Increase following distances.
• Be prepared for snow and carry tyre chains (and know how to use them) where appropriate.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
