Motorists are being urged to take extreme care when travelling around the Bay of Plenty tonight and tomorrow as heavy rain is expected to descend in the area.
The NZ Transport Agency reports road surfaces can become very slippery in the case of rain after a long dry spell.
Drivers are being warned to take care as wet weather increases dangers on the road.
Throughout the recent dry spell, dust, dirt, oil and other debris builds up on the road surface and when it rains, can make driving conditions slippery and dangerous.
Conditions are at the worst in the first few hours of rain, and light rain is more of a challenge than a heavy downpour, reports the Transport Agency.
In poor weather drivers are advised to change their driving and respect the conditions, by reducing speed to below the legal limit and increasing following distances.
Vehicles need two to three times more stopping distance in wet weather and to take it easy on corners.
The Transport Agency also advises drivers to check the latest highway conditions and check the traffic cams online so they are armed with the best information for their journey.
The Transport Agency's website is regularly updated with information about most delays, closures and detours at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.
People can also call 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to report any significant road issues or hazards.
Alternatively, drivers can also subscribe to On The Move a free service which enables provides up to date information about crashes, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go to www.onthemove.govt.nz.
2 comments
No bloody worries!!!!
Posted on 20-01-2014 18:09 | By Sambo Returns
Build a new stadium, our present storm water system will cope,
Wet roads
Posted on 21-01-2014 02:07 | By joe p
Unfortunately there will be crashes when the road is wet, too many drivers think they are immune to the conditions. I travel the Kaimais every day, I am appalled by the behavior of some drivers, they travel too close, pass in stupid places, & generally drive too fast for the conditions, not to mention their behavior when it comes to heavy trucks. May I add that, a lot of these drivers are in newer SUV type cars, they must think that their new car is bullet-proof & can handle ANY conditions better than all the other vehicles on the road, WRONG, it's still only on 4 wheels, & the tyres are the only thing holding it on the road. But of course these drivers are better than everyone else !!!!!
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