Winter may be slow in arriving this year but with colder weather forecast for early next week people should not be complacent about road conditions, Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander said.

“The mild conditions have meant our roads have been staying dry but winter will eventually arrive and we need to make sure we’re prepared for driving in the harsher conditions,” he said.

People should check their cars for anti freeze and make sure their chains are in the boot. With heavier frosts starting to appear, people also need to allow extra time in the mornings to clear their car windows of ice.

“People also need to keep in mind that it’s not just in the morning when they need to be cautious. Roads can freeze and refreeze at any time of day, so attention is required at all times not just first thing, “said Mr Mander.

 “We’ll also be seeing more grit and CMA trucks on the roads and we’re asking people to be patient and not overtake the vehicles at speed. CMA leaves a wet finish on the roads and until it dries, it can make the surface a little slicker than normal, so people do need to drive more cautiously on wet roads as they may be slippery.”

Other driving tips included:

• Accelerate smoothly and brake gently
• Double your following distance and lower your speed
• Clear your windscreen of ice and snow completely before you set off. You could face an instant fine if you don’t.
• Check local road updates and weather conditions before you leave home. The QLDC updates road conditions on Facebook and Twitter at 7.30am weekdays.

 “Being prepared for the conditions is a good start to getting around safely” said Mr Mander.

More winter driving tips are available online at http://choice.qldc.govt.nz

ENDS

For more information, please contact QLDC transport manager Denis Mander ph 03 441 0499

By: Andrea Bunting