The 111 Files: Road users must adapt as winter near

Cyclists are advised to wear reflective clothing to increase their visibility, especially in twilight hours. Photo / File

It feels like just yesterday that I was writing about the end of the summer holidays approaching, and now here we are in the middle of April already.

Summer seems like just a distant memory.

Rotorua has recently experienced a particularly busy period which among other things saw us host the Crankworx mountain bike event, waka ama, Easter weekend, Xterra, and of course, the school holidays.

I must say how pleasing it has been, that despite the increased volume of traffic on our roads in Rotorua during these events, the general behaviour and attitudes of drivers has been excellent, with very few vehicle crashes reported and none involving serious injury.

Last weekend signalled the end of daylight saving hours and already there is a wintry feeling in the air.

Reduced daylight hours and cooler mornings and evenings mean that winter is just around the corner.

With a bit of rain over the past week a few crashes have occurred as a result of motorists not adapting their driving behaviour to suit the changing weather conditions.

With this in mind it is timely to provide a few pointers which will help keep everyone safe on our roads as we head into winter.

When cycling, ensure front and rear lights are fitted and operating on your bike.

It is also a good idea to wear a reflective outer garment to improve visibility.

Motorists need to be aware of the reduced visibility of cyclists and pedestrians especially during twilight hours.

Watch your speed and following distances. Quite simply, the greater our speeds, the longer it takes for us to stop safely which increases again when the roads are wet or slippery.

By allowing plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, it will allow you more time to react when something happens in front of you.

Make sure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are inflated to the correct pressure, brakes are in good working order and that your headlights, indicators, brake lights and windscreen wipers are operating correctly. Ensure your vehicle has a current warrant of fitness.

Having an experienced professional check your vehicle on a regular basis is not just about compliance with the law; it also provides assurance to other road users that your vehicle is mechanically safe and sound to be on the roads along with other road users.

-Senior Sergeant Nicky Riordan is the officer in charge of the Road Policing Group, Rotorua.