While snow and flooding continues to create risky driving conditions and close South Island roads the AA is urging people to avoid venturing out in their cars.

AA spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says it’s best just to stay off the roads during any extreme weather and as conditions begin to improve it’s important for motorists to check the status of the roads on AA Roadwatch before they set off.

“AA Roadwatch provides updated information on road closures, snow, ice, flooding, high winds and slow travel speeds as a result of weather and other causes. It also advises of any roads that have reopened in the past 24 hours.

“As snow and flooding recedes and roads reopen, roads can still be slippery so motorists must be prepared to drive to the conditions, which may mean driving much slower than the speed limit,” says Mr Thomsen.

“Increase your following distance to four seconds to give yourself sufficient stopping distance if the vehicle in front requires you to slow down quickly.

“Good drivers are prepared drivers, so it’s advisable to be prepared for a breakdown packing some blankets, jackets and a working torch in the car just in case,” says Mr Thomsen.

For more information contact:

Dylan Thomsen Senior Communications Adviser
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 4 931 9991
M. +64 27 703 9935
W. www.aa.co.nz