Motorists urged to be more cautious this winter

Motorists are being urged to drive to the conditions due to the wet and icy winter roads. Photo / iStock

Motorists are being urged to drive to the conditions due to the wet and icy winter roads.

Slowing people down and addressing bad behaviour is one way that Canterbury Police are trying to get motorists to be more cautious this winter.

"In recent weeks some of our rural roads have started to freeze and while grit is one way of minimising the risk, the best way of reducing the risk is for drivers to modify their driving style and speed," Senior Sergeant Philip Dean, Canterbury highway patrol manager, said.

"Motorists need to take into account the fact that the friction that keeps cars on the road is reduced considerably in icy and wet conditions."

Allowing extra time for their journey, planning the route they are taking, taking regular breaks, slowing down and never driving impaired are ways motorists are advised to keep safe on the roads, he said.