Helen Harris, National Journey Manager, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Adjust your driving in winter
During winter you’ll need to adjust your driving to keep yourself and other people travelling safe. Conditions vary throughout the country and can often change fast. Be prepared for all conditions from rain and fog through to frost, ice and snow.
Follow the heavy vehicle road code and go to the NZTA website for advice.
Driving in bad weather︱Heavy vehicle road code
Operator responsibility
All operators must understand their obligations under the chain of responsibility. The chain of responsibility holds everyone who influences driver behaviour accountable. This includes driver training and education, driver worktime requirements, and trip planning.
Operators must ensure that planned routes comply with worktime rules and consider potential changes or delays to the journey.
Ensuring that all drivers are capable and confident driving in a range of conditions is essential to passenger and driver safety. Operators should plan for changing conditions such as rain, snow, or increased traffic volumes.
Resources
- Winter tyres Winter tyres pamphlet.pdf
- Safer winter driving brochure Safer winter driving.pdf
- Work time and logbooks guide Work time and logbooks May 2017
Be prepared
Effective brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers, lights and steering are even more crucial in bad weather. Ensure all vehicles are winter-ready. This includes checking tyre tread and pressure, battery health, lights, wipers, and antifreeze levels. You should check your fleet regularly to make sure all vehicles are all in good condition.
Use the right-powered truck for the job. Make sure your load is balanced across axles and units – don’t tow heavy trailers with an empty main unit.
Always check the weather and road conditions before you head out. Be prepared for delays—NZTA monitors the conditions of state highways and will proactively close roads when conditions worsen.
When you’re travelling long distances, make sure drivers are well rested, and are prepared to stop and wait for weather to improve. This could include packing warm clothes, snacks, and water.
Drive to the conditions
Adjust your speed
When it’s icy or snowy, drive slower than you normally would to reduce the risk of losing control or skidding.
Increase your following distance
It takes longer to stop on slippery roads. You should increase your following distance from four seconds to six seconds.
Be seen
Use your headlights in rainy, icy, snowy and dark conditions. Don’t drive with your headlights on full beam through fog, the light will reflect back on you. Dip your lights – it will be much easier to see.
Avoid sudden changes
Sudden braking or turning movements may cause skidding.
