Plan ahead to stay safe on school holiday journeys

With the start of school holidays and winter weather settled in, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency wants to remind motorists in Northland to adjust their driving to keep themselves and other road users safe by planning their journeys ahead and allowing extra time to reduce winter driving risks.

“In winter there are fewer daylight hours and you’re more likely to be driving in less favourable weather with reduced visibility, morning fog or wet roads,” says Waka Kotahi Auckland Operations Manager, Rua Pani.

Pani says simple guidelines for winter travelling include ensuring your vehicle is safe, always drive to the road and weather conditions, allow more time for your travel, slow down, be prepared for unexpected hazards, and allowing greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

“The room for mistakes is reduced when road and weather conditions are less favourable, and we don’t want anyone’s mistake to end in an avoidable tragedy. We want everybody to get home safely.”

“Slow down and watch your following distances. It takes longer to stop in wet conditions so leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.”

“If travelling long distances, make sure you are well rested and plan where to have a break. Share the driving if possible or allow for stops every two hours.”

Pani says it’s also very important to watch out for other road users.

“During the school holidays there will be more children on the streets, walking and cycling, or visitors to the area who are not familiar with the road.”

“There will be road works in places with temporary speed limits to ensure the safety of workers and other road users. Please slow down and stay vigilant.”

n Visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 444 449 for regular updates on road and weather conditions.