Be aware of the conditions you’re driving in.

If there was just one thing AA driving instructor Lindsay Hastings would like drivers to keep in mind as we head into the depths of winter, that would be it.

From frost, snow and ice to strong winds and rain, the weather can make our roads treacherous right around the country over the next two months.

The school holidays start this weekend as well, meaning there can be more cars on the road and people driving long distances, so it is a time for being particularly careful, says Mr Hastings.

“Drivers need to be aware of the weather and conditions they are driving in and adjust to them. If you’re driving on a wet road in poor visibility you can’t just keep driving like it’s sunny and dry.

“Watching your speed and your following distance is even more important in the wet. Drop back from the normal two second gap to four seconds so if something happens ahead of you you have more time to react.”

Icy and frosty roads are another possible hazard that drivers need to watch out for. If your vehicle starts to skid on a patch of ice it is best to lightly push on the brakes a couple of times. Braking heavily is likely to put the car more out of control.

Making sure you can see and be seen as well as possible is Mr Hastings’ other key piece of advice.

“If it’s raining or a bit gloomy, keep your lights on. Especially if you’re driving a darker coloured vehicle that can blend into the background.

“And If you get real torrential rain the best thing you can do is pull over and wait for it to ease up. If you can’t do that, then at least slow down.

“With the sun so low, sun-strike can be a big problem as well and we’ve seen some crashes recently where people just haven’t been able to see the vehicle in front of them because of that.

“Keep your windscreen clean, on the inside as well, and check your wiper-blades.”

AA’s top tips for winter driving:

Drive to the conditions

• If you have a choice, don’t drive in snowy or icy conditions or in pouring rain
• Increase your following distance and adjust your speed to the conditions
• Check the weather forecast and www.maps.aa.co.nz for traffic reports before you leave
• Carry chains if the forecast indicates snow or if you are driving over high pass roads

Keep your car and driver in top shape

• Check your car’s water, oil and wiper-blades before starting a long drive
• Tyres are even more important in wet and slippery conditions. Check their tread and pressure (including the spare)
• Don’t drive when you are tired and try to take a short break after two hours of driving

Vision is everything

• Keep your windows clean (inside and out) and allow an extra few minutes to fully demist your windscreen before driving.
• Turn on your lights if the light is dim or it is raining
• If possible, pull over in torrential rain

Be prepared for a breakdown

• Have some warm clothes and blankets in the car, along with a torch and pen and paper (in case you need to leave a message in the vehicle)
• Ensure your cellphone is fully charged before departing
• Have some water and snacks onboard

For more information contact

Karen Dickson
National Manager: AA Driver Training
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8942
M. +64 21 585 976

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.