Road Safety Te hautū haumaru

We want to make sure everyone gets to where they are going safely, whether they are visitors enjoying what our amazing district has to offer, or members of our community working, playing and living in Central Hawke's Bay.

Driving in Central Hawke's Bay

Our district is made up of primarily rural roads of varying widths. Drivers must take care, whether they know the roads well or not, and we advise reducing speed on winding sections of road, sharp corners, steep gradients and gravel (metal) surfaces.

We live in a sunny and dry part of the motu but we are not exempt to wet and wintry weather conditions. Weather conditions are a major factor when it comes to getting to your destination safely, so it is important to keep in mind that

•  rain instantly reduces tyre grip.
•  driving too fast on icy or frosty roads can cause vehicles to lose control.
•  wind gusts can side swipe a vehicle unexpectedly, changing its position on the road.
•  sun glare or fog can impair a driver's ability to see.

If weather conditions worsen or road conditions change due to project works or repairs, drivers need to reduce their speed so they remain in control of their vehicle and can respond to the unexpected, or consider rescheduling their journey and travel only if it is really necessary.

Holiday and event traffic

Traffic on our roads increases during peak commuting hours (to and from school and work), holidays and special events, impacting traffic flow and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Sometimes, travelling at the speed limit is not the safe option and a reduced speed is necessary.

What can you as the driver do?

• Be aware of the traffic around you.
• Adjust speed to accommodate for the increased traffic volumes.
• Think seriously before overtaking - is the risk worth your life?
• Keep a safe following distance.

Being vigilant and reducing your speed allows you to respond to the unexpected safely, such as a child stepping out on the road without looking, heavy vehicles pulling onto the road, livestock movement or road works.

Ready your vehicle

It is crucial that your vehicle is road worthy and ready for safe travel with a current warrant of fitness. Regularly check your tyres (including the spare) for the correct pressure, required tread, and any wear and tear, and make sure all your vehicle's lights are working, replacing any that need it immediately. Windscreen wipers should also be replaced when they are worn so that they can effectively clean the windscreen and provide good visibility, and windows and mirrors must be clean to allow clear visibility.

For more information, you can email our Land Transport Manager or phone our team anytime on 06 857 8060.