Summer ice’ a driving hazard

Rain on dry roads can be as slippery as ice say Horizons Regional Council’s road safety coordinators following recent showers throughout the Region.

Horizons road safety coordinator for Palmerston North and Manawatu Desley Monks says “rain is fantastic news for our Region at the moment and we’d like to see more of it, but these kinds of showers can pose a hazard for drivers following long, dry spells.”

“Dust, dirt, oil and a multitude of other material builds up on the road surface. When it rains after being dry for so long this greasy cocktail can make the road surface extremely slippery.

“Nicknamed ‘summer ice’ it’s similar to driving on black ice in winter. Because drivers can’t see it, it can lead to potentially deadly situations particularly if drivers aren’t aware and don’t adjust their driving to suit the conditions.”

Mrs Monks says the greatest risk to drivers is just after the onset of rain but it can affect the road surface for hours.

“I encourage anyone driving in the rain or on damp roads after a long dry spell to reduce their speed, take extra care on curves, increase their following distances and be sure to check tyre tread and air pressure.

“Properly inflated tyres with good tread depth are a must for safe travel, but even more so in slippery conditions,” she says.

ENDS

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