“Don’t Be in a Rush”: Police Warning Over Winter Roads

Motorists across the Bay of Plenty are being urged to slow down and take extra care on shaded rural roads as icy conditions begin to appear.

Whakatāne Police community constable, Rob Jones, said drivers travelling early in the morning needed to be particularly cautious on roads that received little sunlight.

“Especially in the morning, especially in those areas where they don't get much sun,” Jones said.

“Just be aware, [it’s] starting to get icy in the mornings.”

Jones highlighted several roads where ice was beginning to form, including Gorge Road, Ōhope Hill, the Rotoma’s and the road to Matahina and Murupara.

“Another police officer this morning who was travelling through to Rotorua the other morning, he said it's definitely starting to get ice on the road there, and he almost slipped out,” he said.

“Be aware of those tight icy corners, especially first thing, and just really slow it down and be aware of those conditions.”

“Don't be in a rush.”

The warning comes as colder overnight temperatures settle across the Eastern Bay of Plenty and inland districts.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says one of the biggest winter hazards for drivers is black ice, which can be difficult to detect because it often looks like a normal road surface.

“A road with black ice can look normal because the layer of ice is thin enough to allow the black colour of the road to show through,” it said.

“Even though the layer of ice is thin, it's still slippery enough to cause you to lose control of your vehicle.”

Black ice forms when road surface temperatures fall below freezing and rain or moisture freezes on the road.

NZTA said drivers should reduce speed, avoid sudden braking or turning, and increase following distances during icy conditions.

The agency also warned that shaded areas could remain slippery for longer periods during winter mornings.