In less than a week winter will ‘officially’ be here, although it seems like the temperatures are already dropping to winter levels.

This acts as a good reminder to get winter-ready for driving conditions.

This includes ensuring you have chains in your car if heading into alpine areas, your wiper blades, lights and brakes are clean and working properly, your tyres have sufficient tread, and you have emergency/safety equipment and additional fuel in your car in case of a breakdown.

Ice and snow can cause hazardous driving conditions on Southland highways so Highways South, the contractor responsible for the management of state highways in Southland, have a comprehensive winter maintenance plan in place.

Snowploughing. Photo: South Roads

Justin Reid, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Maintenance Contract Manager for the Southland region says “winter weather forecasting and modelling assists our team to predict which areas of highways are likely to cause problems, allowing early intervention with grit and CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), snow ploughing and temporary traffic management if necessary.

Weather cameras stationed at known problem areas on SH6, SH93 and SH94 also allow live monitoring of the weather conditions.

Our crews are on call 24/7 to respond to issues on the roads.”

Road users are reminded that weather conditions can change quickly, and preparation before a trip is crucial to avoid road closures, breakdowns or other restrictions.

Road users can call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or visit www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz to find the latest road information.

“We encourage road users to delay travel in poor weather and if possible, to travel in daylight hours when ice and snow is less likely to be encountered”, states Justin, but if this can’t happen the below safety tips may help:

• Allow extra time for your journey
• Drive to the weather and road conditions, and remember that in poor weather the speed limit may often be too fast for the current conditions
• Don’t brake heavily or accelerate quickly if ice is present
• Increase your following distance to allow more time to slow down in slippery conditions
• Be alert and ready for unexpected hazards

Highways South encourages road users to be prepared, drive to the conditions and stay safe over the winter period.

Remember, check www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz before you leave and call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to report any concerns on state highways in Southland.