Careful driving reduces crashes - but ice still a hazard

Canterbury Police say the majority of drivers have been heeding warnings to drive cautiously this morning - keeping the number of crashes to a minimum.

Senior Sergeant Steve King, of the Canterbury Highway Patrol, says only eight minor crashes had been reported to Police this morning [06:00 to 11:30am]. None were serious and no injuries were reported, he says.

"Conditions have definitely been challenging in places," says Senior Sergeant King. "Motorists travelling in to work this morning faced ice and slippery roads in many places.

"Fortunately, most drivers have been doing the right thing - keeping speeds down, extending following distances and driving cautiously. It's been good to see motorists taking those safety messages on board.

"Traffic volumes this morning have been slightly lower than normal, which has also been helpful.

"But the difficult conditions aren't over yet. It's important that drivers remain cautious throughout the rest of today and overnight.

""There is still ice on many roads, and if melting snow refreezes then drivers may face similar hazards overnight and in the morning. Rural locations and shaded areas are particularly at risk.

"So our message is the same - assess your local conditions, and if the roads are icy, try to avoid non-essential travel. If you are driving, please drive slowly, extend following distances, be patient and allow extra time for your journeys.

Senior Sergeant King says employees should continue to keep in touch with their employers over attendance at work and travel arrangements.