Latest news with #Miwa
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Black ice is the cause of many road accidents every winter
The Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa) says dozens of accidents on South African roads are linked to black ice, a hazard that often catches even experienced drivers off guard. Miwa chair Dewald Ranft said on Monday black ice is one of the most dangerous and misunderstood hazards motorists face in winter. 'Many drivers assume black ice is a problem limited to colder countries, but it's more common in South Africa than we realise, especially in high-altitude areas and inland regions such as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Eastern Cape highlands and Free State farmlands. If you're travelling early in the morning or after a cold front it's a real risk.' Despite its name, black ice isn't black. 'It's a thin, transparent sheet of ice that blends in with the road, often making the surface appear wet. It reduces tyre friction by up to 70% and even experienced drivers may not realise they're on it until they lose control.' You might notice the road looks wet but there's no spray from other tyres - that's often a clue. 'You should particularly watch out for black ice on bridges and overpasses [they freeze first], shaded or low-lying areas, early morning or evening drives and after light rain followed by freezing temperatures. 'You might notice the road looks wet but there's no spray from other tyres — that's often a clue. If there's frost on your windscreen, chances are the road could also be icy.' Ranft advised motorists who suspect black ice on the road to slow down and drive with caution, avoid sudden steering or hard braking, leave a greater following distance, keep their headlights on for better visibility and never use cruise control in icy conditions. 'Your tyres and brakes are your first line of defence. If your tyres are worn or underinflated or your brake system isn't functioning optimally, you're much more vulnerable. Safety doesn't come from luck — it comes from preparation.' Winter safety checks typically include inspecting tyre tread and pressure, checking brake pads, discs and the ABS system, assessing the condition of the battery, wiper blades and fluids and ensuring all lights are functioning properly. 'These small checks can make a big difference. Black ice doesn't give second chances. Let's stay safe out there,' said Ranft.
Kyodo News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Rice imports to Japan surge in May, 3.5 times FY 2024 total
KYODO NEWS - 15 minutes ago - 18:32 | All, Japan Private sector imports of tariffed rice to Japan in May were 3.5 times the total volume brought in during all of fiscal 2024, revised government trade data showed Friday, as soaring prices of domestic rice have spurred demand for cheaper alternatives. According to the Finance Ministry's trade statistics, revised from a preliminary report issued earlier this month, 10,605 tons of tariffed rice were imported in May, a sharp increase from 115 tons in the same period last year. The United States, which accounted for 7,894 tons, was the largest source, followed by Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prices of domestic rice have continued to surge due in part to a supply shortage, with an auction system initially employed by the government to release its stockpiles blamed for further inflating prices. Yasufumi Miwa, an expert on agriculture at the Japan Research Institute, noted that private imports may soon decline as the government has been selling stockpiled rice via direct contracts with retailers since late May, helping to ease prices. But Miwa warned that they may rise again if the price of newly harvested rice stays in the range of 4,000 yen ($28) per 5 kilograms. Japan currently imports 770,000 tons of rice annually tariff-free under its minimum access commitment based on World Trade Organization rules. Of that, up to 100,000 tons is used for human consumption. As the recent surge in rice imports falls outside this quota, they are subject to a tariff of 341 yen per kg. Related coverage: Japan rice price falls below 4,000 yen for 1st time since March Japanese restaurants, food companies switching to noodles from rice Japan's core consumer prices in May rise 3.7% on surging rice costs
Kyodo News
27-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Rice imports to Japan surge in May, 3.5 times FY 2024 total
KYODO NEWS - 13 minutes ago - 18:32 | All, Japan Private sector imports of tariffed rice to Japan in May were 3.5 times the total volume brought in during all of fiscal 2024, revised government trade data showed Friday, as soaring prices of domestic rice have spurred demand for cheaper alternatives. According to the Finance Ministry's trade statistics, revised from a preliminary report issued earlier this month, 10,605 tons of tariffed rice were imported in May, a sharp increase from 115 tons in the same period last year. The United States, which accounted for 7,894 tons, was the largest source, followed by Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Prices of domestic rice have continued to surge due in part to a supply shortage, with an auction system initially employed by the government to release its stockpiles blamed for further inflating prices. Yasufumi Miwa, an expert on agriculture at the Japan Research Institute, noted that private imports may soon decline as the government has been selling stockpiled rice via direct contracts with retailers since late May, helping to ease prices. But Miwa warned that they may rise again if the price of newly harvested rice stays in the range of 4,000 yen ($28) per 5 kilograms. Japan currently imports 770,000 tons of rice annually tariff-free under its minimum access commitment based on World Trade Organization rules. Of that, up to 100,000 tons is used for human consumption. As the recent surge in rice imports falls outside this quota, they are subject to a tariff of 341 yen per kg. Related coverage: Japan rice price falls below 4,000 yen for 1st time since March Japanese restaurants, food companies switching to noodles from rice Japan's core consumer prices in May rise 3.7% on surging rice costs
