Motorists warned to take care as winter traffic incidents soar

The AA is warning motorists to take care on the roads given the onset of winter weather.

AA Traffic spokesman, Phil Allen, says the www.aaroadwatch.co.nz website currently has 840 identified incidents, including floods, slips, road closures and roadworks.

As a result, the number of motorists visiting the website has increased by over 250% in the past 24 hours, from a daily average of 2000 unique browsers to 7000.

“We advise motorists to check their driving route is incident free before commencing their journey, particularly in the lower half of the South Island which has been worst hit by the bad weather to date.”

“If the roads are too bad, and it is not essential travel, then motorists would be best advised to postpone their journey until road conditions improve.”

“If you have to travel, then make sure your headlights are on, maintain your following distances, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and throw some warm clothing in the vehicle just in case you get stuck somewhere,” says Mr Allen.

In addition to the online traffic incident information, AA Traffic provides TXT and email alerts to keep AA Members and motorists updated on traffic incidents. AA Traffic is provided by Geosmart Maps Ltd for the New Zealand Automobile Association.

For more information go to www.aaroadwatch.co.nz and www.aatraffic.co.nz .

ENDS

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