Road Safety TipsTe hautū haumaru

Tips on Driving Safely in Central Hawke's Bay

From the Central Hawkes Bay District Council Roading Team

Speed:

Roads in the Central Hawkes Bay are predominantly rural and of varying widths.

What can you as the driver do?

Reduce speeds on:

• Winding sections of road
• Sharp corners
• Steep gradients
• Gravel (metal) surfaces

As road conditions worsen drivers need to reduce their speed so they remain in control of their vehicle and can respond to the unexpected.

Weather:

•  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 the driver's ability to see.

What can you as the driver do?

• drive to the conditions and lower your speed in poor weather conditions.
• If weather conditions make safe driving a challenge, drivers should consider rescheduling their journey and travel only if it is really necessary.

Traffic:

Peak hour, holidays and special events can impact traffic and increase the likelihood of accidents. There are situations where 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 the higher traffic volumes
• think seriously before overtaking (is the risk worth your life)
• keep a safe following distance

The Unexpected:

• Children can step out on road without looking
• Heavy vehicles pulling onto road
• Livestock movement
• Road works

What can you as the driver do?

• be vigilant and to reduce speed so there is time to safely react should the unexpected happen.

The Vehicle:

• Warrant of Fitness - always ensure it is current
• Tyres - regularly check all tyres (including the spare) for correct pressure, required tread and other wear and tear
• Lights - check them often and if one is not working replace it immediately
• Windscreen Wipers - replace when they are worn so they can effectively clean the windscreen and provide good visibility
• Windows and Mirrors - keep them clean as visibility will be reduced when they are dirty especially when faced with sun glare or oncoming headlights

Contact

For more information please either email our Land Transport Manager, or phone him on +64 6 857 8060

What can you as the driver do?

• ensure that your vehicle is in sound condition and always ready for safe travel.