Unprecedented growth in traffic in recent years added to the combination of risk factors, he said.
"There are more cars using the roads than ever before, and with many people heading out of town to take advantage of the last long weekend for a few months, state highways across the country are expected to be even busier than usual.
"Add the forecast wintry weather to that mix with wet, windy and icy conditions and driving can be even more of a challenge."
Drivers should adjust their habits, he said.
"The room for mistakes is much smaller when there are more cars on the road and reduced road conditions. Potentially dangerous driving habits that some motorists may have got away with in the past are far riskier."
Mr Zollner also advised drivers to plan ahead before starting off by checking road conditions and traffic congestion, as well as making sure the vehicle is ready for winter.
Meanwhile, motorists driving through rural areas have also been warned about 'Gypsy Day' this weekend - when hundreds of sharemilkers will pack up their stock and move to new farms.
NZTA's Northland journey manager, Jacqui Hori-Hoult, said motorists should be careful and patient around cows that may be moving on the roads between farms or shifted in trucks across longer distances.
Farmers' droving their stock will need consent from the NZTA to move stock along or across State Highways, and have been asked to avoid peak driving times and only move stock during daylight hours.
"We're keen to assist farmers or sharemilkers to move their stock safely and with minimal disruption to road users, and they should contact us if they need any help or information."
The official Queen's Birthday holiday road period runs from 4pm on Friday, May 29, to 6am on Tuesday, June 2.
Last year's Queen's Birthday road toll was five, from a total 87 reported injury crashes.
* For more information on making your journey safer visit: www.saferjourneys.govt.nz. Find the latest highway information at: www.nzta.govt.nz. Or freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.
ROADWORKS:
* The Ellerslie-Panmure Highway citybound on-ramp will be closed, along with the left-lane citybound between the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway to Main Highway overbridge, from 8pm to 6am each night, from Friday, May 29 to Monday, June 1.
* The Northwestern motorway will be closed in both directions between Te Atatu and Lincoln Roads from 8pm on Saturday, May 30 to 8am on Sunday May 31.
* SH1 North-side of Brynderwyn Hills. Large earthworks site. Speed restrictions in place and trucks crossing. Expect an uneven road surface, lane reductions and minor delays at times.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS:
* Slow down. It only takes a split second to lose control on a wet road. Keeping your speed at 10km/h below the legal limit will greatly reduce your risk of a crash.
* Stopping distances can nearly double on wet roads. Keep at least a 4 second following distance between you and the vehicle in front.
* Sunstrike is most likely to hit you at sunrise or sunset. Keep your windscreen clean - inside and out - and be ready to use your sunglasses or sun visors. If you can't see, pull over and wait till you can.
* Black ice or frost can make roads very slippery - on winter mornings and wherever it's shady.
* Turn on your lights whenever there's heavy cloud cover, fog or rain. You'll be much more visible to other road users and you'll probably be able to see better too.
* Take extra care to watch for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians - especially at intersections and pedestrian crossings. Check carefully, then check again. Have your foot ready over the brake, and watch for pedestrians about to cross.
(Source: NZTA)
