Wet Weather Chaos On Roads This Morning

Posted by Media Release on 30/12/2011

It's raining- slow down! That's the message from Waikato Police attending their ninth crash in two hours as heavy traffic volumes clog busy holiday routes.

Reflecting on a busy morning District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said between about 7am and 9am crashes had been reported in Taupiri, Horotiu, Kopu, Kopu-Hikuai, Whitianga, Whiritoa and Whangamata.

"It really is a case of cars falling off the road as drivers lose control in very slippery conditions and the only solution is to slow down even if that means travelling at 70 km/h in the wet.

"Drivers need to realise 100 km/h is a limit not a target and there are a number of factors, not just the rain that are combining to make our roads treacherous."

Mr Tooman said with a lot of heavy vehicles transiting the highways meeting increasing holiday traffic there was a strong likelihood of diesel spills making roads seem a bit like and ice skating rink.

"Yesterday we were very pleased with drivers adjusting their speeds on both SH25 and SH25A up and down the Coromandel but today it seems a lot of our warnings are falling on deaf ears.

"Another issue we are worried about is cyclist transiting these same highways in dark, wet conditions not wearing hi-vis clothing making it very difficult for other road users encountering them in already challenging conditions."

Mr Tooman said while the roads were for all modes of transport all users would do well to ensure they can easily be seen in periods of low light, particularly over the coming days.

"It's the responsibility of all road users to ensure safer journeys and by making sure you can be see, dropping your speed and exercising a bit of patience we'll all arrive at our destinations in safely and in one piece."