Please attribute to Inspector Dan Mattison Road Policing Manager Tasman District
Do your feet need fluffier socks? Have you put your electric blanket on your bed? Well, that’s because winter is coming.
So, this winter, as the weather gets colder, driving presents new challenges to motorists. Firstly, ensure that your windows are clear of ice, frost and condensation before you set off. Check your vehicle – tyres, brakes and wipers - make sure they are all ready to work properly.
Drivers should allow more time for their journey and exercise caution when experiencing rain, ice or snow. Often, adverse weather will reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, so please remember to increase your following distances when in traffic.
Approach intersections with caution and avoid heavy braking or sudden lane changes. Motorists especially need to be mindful of the road conditions in rural areas when pulling over to let other motorists pass in areas where the roads are narrow and winding.
Roading contractors will no doubt be working throughout the district during the winter, so motorists need to be mindful of grit and road safety crews or diversions. State Highway One, south of Blenheim and Kaikoura is still frequently affected by weather with periodic closures. Travellers should account for delays due to road works and repair crews.
Winter roads can be less forgiving, so always ensure the wearing of seatbelts to keep everyone safe, if something does go wrong.
For drivers on long journeys or those returning from physical demanding outdoors activities (skiing, tramping, biking) you will likely be already physically and mentally drained from your winter activities. It pays to have a plan and make sound decisions concerning fatigued driving – take a break, have a sleep if necessary or swap drivers if able to.
Be conscious of driving to the unpredictable winter driving conditions. We can all drive in a manner and at a speed that enables us to safely respond to the unexpected, be that another road user making a mistake in front of us or something unexpected in the road environment. If we all do this consistently we can avoid mistakes leading to tragic outcomes.
For the latest winter driving conditions visit www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS. Weather updates can be found on the MetService website http://www.metservice.com/warnings/road-snowfall-warnings
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.