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1238 days ago

We Say/You Say: Winter Driving

Reporter Hamilton Press

Hi Hamilton,

Have you had any close shaves because of hazardous winter road conditions?

There were several crashes on Monday morning in the Waikato region as a result of icy conditions.

Black ice is incredibly difficult to spot for the average motorist and the AA recommends drivers pay attention to the weather conditions the night before setting out.

Temperatures below zero, valleys and dips in the road and shaded areas where the road won't warm up as quickly are all factors in black ice formation.

"You don't want to slam on your brakes if you do get onto ice and feel the vehicle starting to slide. That's actually likely to make the vehicle go more out of control," AA spokesman Dylan Thomsen said.

Multiple precautions are taken by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to improve the safety during the winter.

The agency contracts Downer workers to drive hundreds of kilometres along stretches to detect wet patches of road as they are freezing.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is sprayed on roads and bridges in very cold areas to stop ice from forming. The chemical acts by lowering the freezing temperature of the water.

Accidents are also mitigated when asphalt is sprinkled on at-risk stretches of road.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Hamilton Press.

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3 hours ago

Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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4 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.4% Yes
    82.4% Complete
  • 14.9% No
    14.9% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
1608 votes
11 hours ago

The long recovery after being run down

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Dave Rodger has a metal rod through his pelvis, more metal in his knee and lower leg. He has a torn scrotum, he has a stoma bag, some teeth are missing.

But he’s here.

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