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Every year in New Zealand there are around 20 fatal crashes and over 200 injury crashes in which adverse weather conditions are a contributing factor. However bad weather seldom causes crashes.

Crashes generally occur because people haven't adjusted their driving to take weather conditions into account. Extra care and attention is vital during winter months when driving!

Be prepared!

• Check road conditions
• Have your vehicle checked out. Many garages offer safety checks.
• Make sure your heater, fans, wipers, defrosters and demisters are working.
• Make sure indicators and all lights are working.
• Antifreeze is essential for your car's engine during winter.

Wet weather driving

• Wet roads can be very slippery, so always remember that stopping distances are almost doubled.
• Slow down and keep a generous following distance between you and the car in front.
• The two-second rule should become at least four seconds.
  
• After driving through surface water, pump the brakes several times to dry them out, regardless of what sort of brake system you have.

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Snow and ice

• Whenever possible, avoid driving in heavy snow, but if you do keep it SLOW.
• Avoid breaking suddenly. Give the break pedal a few soft taps rather than one hard push to avoid sending your vehicle into a skid.
• Remember to always carry chains, and use them whenever necessary.
• Climbing and descending hills in snow requires meticulous care - climb hills in the highest possible gear. By lowering your engine's revs you will maximise the chances of traction and minimise the spinning your wheels.
• Descend hills very slowly, putting your vehicle in a low gear before starting the descent.
• Cover windscreen with cardboard or a floor mat to prevent ice forming. Alternatively use an ice scraper or credit card to remove ice.
• Watch for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists
• Watch for shaded areas where ice may remain all day.
• Remember, recreational 4WDs are no safer in winter conditions than other vehicles.
• If you decide to walk instead, put a pair of old socks over your shoes to increase grip.

Fogged in

• Adjust your speed to the visibility levels.
• Keep your headlights on low beam, as high beams will reflect off fog and produce glare.
• Front fog lights may be used. These have a wide, low beam and produce a yellow or white light.
• Rear fog lights, which produce high-intensity red light, should only be used when visibility is very bad.

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Low winter sun

• In winter, low sun is more likely to occur. Be prepared for this when driving at sunrise or sunset, especially when turning or driving towards the sun.
• Keep your windscreen clean, inside and out. Dust and grime on the windscreen can make the effects of low sun much worse.
• Wear sunglasses and use your car's sun visors.

Night driving

• During the winter months it gets darker earlier, and it is important to put your lights on as soon as it starts to get dark.
• You are required to have your lights on 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, or at any other time when you cannot see an object or person 100m away.
• Driving in the dark can be hazardous, because it's more difficult to judge distances.
• Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions as there is a decreased chance of seeing hazards in the evening.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists as they are more difficult to see at night.
• Be aware of blinding other drivers with your headlights on full - switch them to low when a vehicle is coming from the other direction.