If you’re going to be on the road this summer, Rodney District Council has some simple tips you can follow to ensure you and your family keep safe on your journey.
“The most important thing people can do when travelling this summer is to be considerate and responsible drivers,” says Rodney Road Safety Coordinator Jacki Dawson.
“That means don’t drink and drive and do be a courteous driver. Speeding and aggressive driving is dangerous, especially with so many other people on the roads.”
“Your family and friends want to see you this Christmas and will understand if traffic means you’re delayed - it’s better to be a few minutes late for a function than not to arrive at all and be another road toll fatality.”
Many drivers also tow trailers over summer, which can create a safety hazard unless this is properly managed.
Top tips for safe towing from the Automobile Association are listed below:
- Make sure your trailer is registered and has a current warrant of fitness.
- Your trailer needs two red reflectors on it. It must also have a white light on the trailer’s registration certificate.
- Make sure the load on the trailer is evenly distributed – if it is unbalanced it may sway.
- Ensure your load is properly secured. Nothing on the trailer should touch the ground, and the load should not extend more than 1.25m either side of the trailer’s centre line.
- Avoid filling your car’s hatch or boot with gear, as this will further unload the front axle.
- If the trailer has not been used for a long time, check tyre pressures, tread depth and wheel bearings.
- Avoid sudden changes in direction. If swaying develops, do not brake; just take your foot off the accelerator, come to a gentle stop and recheck your load is balanced properly.
- Brake before cornering, and reduce cornering speeds. Avoid braking on slippery surfaces. Drop to a lower gear on steep descents.
- It is illegal to exceed 90km per hour when towing. Check traffic behind you regularly in your rear view mirror. Pull over when possible to let faster vehicles pass.
- Keep at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.
“By following the advice above, you can have a safe and happy Christmas and enjoy your travels this summer, ” says Ms Dawson.
For further information and comment please contact:
Jacki Dawson
Rodney Road Safety Coordinator
Phone: 0800 426 5169
jacqueline.dawson@rodney.govt.nz