South Island - Drive to the Conditions - Winter 2010

Canterbury Police are reminding motorists that as the weather deteriorates in the lead up to winter, it is important to ensure that they are driving to the conditions.

"It is really important that all drivers ensure that they are doing a few key things in relation to their cars over this period. Make sure your tyres are in good condition and inflated to the right level. They are your link to the road and need to have sufficient tread and inflation to get a good grip." says Inspector Al Stewart, Canterbury Road Policing Manager.

"Another issue at this time of the year is sun-strike, so please make sure that you are keeping your windscreen clean and that you are utilising your visors where necessary to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to see due to the sun, slow down and if necessary pull over where it is safe to do so and stop," says Inspector Stewart.

Although Canterbury has benefited from some dry and clear weather over the past few weeks, we can anticipate wet and frosty weather with ice on the roads as winter sets in.

"Remember to increase your stopping distances in the wet and on icy roads. Far too many local drivers follow too closely and experience near misses in the dry weather, which easily become crashes in the wet weather," says Inspector Stewart.

May is traditionally a month where the number of crashes increase, possibly due to the variable weather conditions and failure of drivers to drive to the conditions.