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1173 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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6 days ago

Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?

Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱

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Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
  • 48.1% Yes
    48.1% Complete
  • 50% No
    50% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
3422 votes
6 days ago

Here's Tuesday's teaser!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I?

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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5 days ago

Here's Wednesday's whodunit!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am heavy forward, but backward, I’m not. What am I?

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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