Plan ahead before driving this winter
WITH the cold weather we’re experiencing, remember to drive to the conditions: slow down, leave a greater following distance, and consider the best route to take.
Give your car a checkover, including the battery, tyres, lights, heating, demisters, and windscreen wipers, to make sure they are in good working order.
It’s also important to know where to find information on road conditions, so you can make an informed decision about driving on adverseweather days.
The DCC area road conditions and grit map can be found at: www.dunedin.govt.nz/ councilonline/roadconditions
Road conditions are updated regularly, so you can visit the DCC website for the most uptodate information day or night. The website also shows where grit and CMA will be applied, if appropriate, and you can get an idea of the conditions by looking at the webcams.
Use common sense and remember, conditions can change rapidly during winter weathersystems.
You have to decide whether you’re happy to drive in the conditions; if you’re not comfortable with the conditions, consider waiting until they improve before travelling.
The New Zealand Transport Agency also has information on the state highway network, which you can check if you are planning a longer trip away. See www.nzta. govt.nz/trafficandtravelinformation/ or the NZTA Winter Journeys campaign site (www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys) for all sorts of winter travel information, including the alternative route to Picton.
Check to make sure your workplace has a snow policy and know beforehand what your employer expects. Do you have to take a day’s leave if you cannot make it into work? Who do you call to report your absence? Planning ahead avoids confusion and lets everyone know what to do.