Winter Journeys - reminders Canterbury, West Coast

Driving on parts of our highways during the winter months can be treacherous, says NZ Transport Agency Canterbury/ West Coast Journey Manager Lee Wright. “The last few days with strong winds, ice and snow on the passes have been a good reminder of this.”

The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys(external link) campaign aims to encourage drivers to be safe and plan ahead to reduce the risk of crashes over the winter months.

Planning ahead is crucial if drivers want to enjoy safe travel and avoid delays, she says. “Be aware that even when roads are gritted, particularly after a frosty or icy night and on corners, drivers need to slow down.”

Snow warnings on passes

The NZ Transport Agency has a snow warning in place for travellers on Arthurs Pass, Lewis Pass, Haast Pass and the Lindis Pass. “Carrying chains and knowing how to fit them is important for anyone travelling between Canterbury and the West Coast or the South Canterbury high country,” says Ms Wright.

See the Transport Agency’s Traffic pages(external link) for updated road conditions. (See video below(external link) of how to apply chains).

• Snow kept the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound(external link) closed overnight and much of Thursday.
• Use this dedicated website(external link) www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys(external link)
• For the updated list of driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel(external link) map on the Transport Agency’s web page.
• Check Facebook NZ Transport Agency South Island(external link), Twitter West Coast/ Canterbury(external link), Twitter  Otago /Southland(external link),  phone 0800 4 Highways, 0800 44 44 49.
• MetService road snowfall warnings page.(external link)

 Simple rules for safe winter travelling:

• ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
• drive to the road and weather conditions
• allow extra time
• 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.

How to fit snow chains You Tube DVD(external link) provided by GO Rentals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0fIfx8yPkI(external link)