24 March 2016 | SOUTHERN REGION

Heading away Easter Weekend? Be prepared, enjoy a safe trip

Traffic will be heavy on Otago and Southland highways this Easter and the NZ Transport Agency is asking drivers to plan ahead to avoid delays and enjoy a safe trip.

Large numbers of motorists head away late Thursday, after school has finished, or early Good Friday. Most people return home Easter Monday.

Graeme Hall, NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Otago/ Southland advises that people need to be aware of the traffic generated by events like Warbirds Over Wanaka and expect delays. “If people anticipate some delays on popular routes at peak times and have things like snacks handy for passengers, it minimises stress for everyone,” he says.

“Many people will be out of their well-known driving routes, so road courtesy and being patient will help keep stress levels down and increase safety for everyone.”

Areas where you can expect a slower journey
Check the HotSpots on the Transport Agency’s website, so you know where and at what times the roads have got congested previous Easter weekends. Leaving earlier or later may help smooth out your journey and avoid the peak congested times.

Anticipate some delays – Warbirds Over Wanaka, on Canterbury & Otago Highways
Motorists should face minimal delays from state highway road works, with no active work sites over the four day weekend.

People driving from Canterbury, Coastal Otago and Southland to Warbirds Over Wanaka will swell traffic volumes on Easter Friday and Monday on the state highway network.

Warbirds Over Wanaka, local road effects Good Friday, Saturday and Sunday This event will affect traffic on State Highways 6 and 8A, Cromwell to Wanaka and Tarras to Wanaka on all three days during Easter. On Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 March, a detour will be in place at peak hours for people just wanting to get to Wanaka from the south or to get to the West Coast via Haast. Read our earlier release for details around carparking and traffic advice.

Do some jobs before you leave home
People can spread the load by doing a few jobs earlier in the week eg filling up with gas, checking tyres and the spare tyre. (See TWIRL list below.)

Help is at hand
· For updates on state highway conditions and hazards phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49 or visit Summer Journeys for specific information.

· To report poor driving on the highway, phone the Police *555 once you are safely stopped.

· To provide feedback on something you've noticed on the highways email info@nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS, 0800 44 44 49.

· For information on any Highway network delays or road closures, subscribe to “on the move” http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/on-the-move/ for your proposed route or Easter holiday area.

TWIRL vehicle check guide
“TWIRL” is one way to remind yourself of areas on your car to check:
Tyres; Windscreen, Wipers (and mirrors); Indicators; Rust and Lights.
TYRES
Check the tyre tread depth (minimum legal depth 1.5mm, but more is safer), pressure (correct levels can usually be found on the inside door frame), and look for cracks or bubbles in the sides and sharp objects stuck in the tyres.
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
Check the wiper blades for wear and tear, clean mirrors and windscreen inside and out, check your windscreen washer fluid is full and the spray is working.
Indicators
Turn your hazard lights on and walk around the car to check indicators are flashing.
Rust
Look for obvious areas of corrosion that weaken a car’s strength in the event of a crash.
Lights
Check lenses are clean and not cracked or hazy, check headlights, reversing lights and brake lights.

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