The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys campaign aims to encourage drivers to be safe and plan ahead to reduce the risk of crashes over the winter months.
“Pre- planning is crucial if drivers want to enjoy safe travel and avoid delays caused by road restrictions, road closures or vehicle breakdowns,” says Ms Wright.
“June to August is the most dangerous time for driving on our highways.
“When travelling the alpine passes, Arthurs Pass and Lewis Pass, as well as the Haast Pass (SH6) and Lindis/Burkes Pass (SH8), we advise drivers to carry chains from June to the end of August and know how to use them.
“Extreme weather conditions such as ice, snow, fog and wet weather can hit within a relatively short period of time so people need to be prepared,” she says.
The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys campaign encourages drivers to make a habit of checking road conditions in the way that suits them, for example:
- Use this dedicated website www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys
- For the updated list of driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel map on the Transport Agency’s web page.
- Check Facebook NZ Transport Agency South Island or Twitter West Coast/ Canterbury, or phone 0800 4 Highways, 0800 44 44 49.
- People can sign up for customised information at On the move or get email updates on road closures Highwayinformation@nzta.govt.nz
Simple rules for safe winter travelling:
- ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
- drive to the road and weather conditions
- allow extra time
- slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
- allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
- make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also.
- have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.
This photo was taken this morning by Transport Agency contractors on the Lewis Pass, SH7, at Lockingtons, 5 km east of Springs Junction. At 9.30am the road temperature was -4.3 with ice forming and rain freezing as it hit the ground. The Transport Agency’s team is monitoring this site closely with grit and anti-icing compound applied.