Winter is here and that means taking extra care in bad weather when you’re behind the wheel.

New Zealand Police and the NZ Transport Agency are reminding drivers to pay attention to the conditions this winter and not to take careless risks.

“Driving in winter is not the same as driving in summer; New Zealand seasons are distinct, especially in our alpine and rural areas,” says superintendent Steve Greally, national manager of road policing.

“Extreme weather conditions such as ice, snow, fog and wet weather can hit quickly, so people need to be prepared for the weather conditions and know how to handle the vehicle they are driving.”

NZTA director safety health and environment Greg Lazzaro says pre-planning is essential for safe travel, and if drivers want to avoid delays caused by road restrictions, road closures, or vehicle breakdowns.

“Check traffic and travel updates before you leave, think about where you‘re going and what route you should take – choose safety over convenience. Always check the weather forecast and consider if you really need to travel, especially if the weather is poor,” says Lazzaro.

If the weather is bad and your travel can‘t be put off, allow extra time for your journey. Plan to drive in the middle of the day or in daylight hours, when visibility is better and ice and snow are less likely to be on the road. Avoid driving at night, when hazards rapidly multiply.

Greally says when drivers are on a wet, icy, or snowy road, it‘s important not to brake suddenly or to accelerate quickly, as they could aquaplane or skid.

“In these situations, more than ever, driving to the conditions is crucial.

“People need to watch their following distances, make sure before they set out that their headlights and windscreen wipers are working, and check weather reports in alpine areas.”

As part of the winter driving focus, Police and the NZTA will be doing safety checks of commercial and passenger service vehicles, and their drivers on roads around New Zealand‘s ski fields.

“People can also expect to see a strong police presence around New Zealand‘s popular routes commonly used for transit to and from the ski fields, including our Impairment Prevention Team,” says Greally.

“We‘re out there because we want everybody to get where they‘re going, and home, safely. Over the winter months we‘ll be reminding people to take care and be aware of the hazards of winter driving, like black ice.

“Most things can be handled on the road if you drive at a safe and sensible speed and give yourself time and space between cars to react.”

Simple rules for safe winter travelling:

• allow extra time

• ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving

• drive to the road and weather conditions

• slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards

• allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead

• make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also

• have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown

• learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and how to put on snow chains, at www.nzta.govt.nz/winter-driving

• check weather, travel conditions and traffic information on our highways before you set off at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.