Road Safety When the Weather Turns Bad

No matter how good a driver you are, winter presents its own set of driving hazards. It’s important that you know how to spot them and react to them. This may mean it takes a few minutes longer to get prepared for a trip, or to get to your destination, but the safety of you, your family and other road users is far more important.

Bad weather is a contributing factor in a number of fatal crashes every year. The good news is that with a bit of knowledge you can greatly reduce your chances of being caught out. There is loads of great information on www.aa.co.nz and here are some tips to get you started:

Stay out of trouble

• Slow down and take your time – it only takes a split-second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
• Avoid sudden movements. Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.
• When travelling uphill, use a higher gear than normal. When going downhill use a lower gear.

Plan your journey

• When conditions are bad, postpone your trip if possible.
• Check road conditions (call 0800 44 44 49 for state highways, visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz, or listen to local radio stations).
• Carry warm clothes in case you get stuck or break down. On a long trip, take food and something to drink. See and be seen.
• Clear windows before driving. De-ice and wipe windows.
• In fog, rain or snow, turn your lights on.
• Switch headlights on earlier in the day.

Watch for danger spots

• Ice lingers in shaded areas such as high banks, tall trees and road cuttings.
• Bridges can stay slippery longer than other road surfaces.
• Expect a dawn frost. If it is not frosty at 6.00 am, it could be an hour later.
• Slow down in glare from low winter sun.