Latest news with #blackice
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Freezing fog and black ice on South Island's State Highways 8 and 80
Fog on State Highway 8 presents a risk for motorists, NZTA says. Photo: Supplied / NZTA Drivers in the central South Island are being warned to be aware of freezing fog and black ice over the next few days. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said persistent freezing fog was likely for parts of State Highways 8 and 80 at least through until Sunday, along with hoar frosts and potential black ice on the roads. The area between Twizel and Tekapo on State Highway 8 was expected to be at especially high risk. NZTA maintenance contract manager Chris Chambers said fog was likely to linger all day in some places. "These types of conditions are not new for roads in the Mackenzie Basin area, but it is important that motorists take notice and adjust their driving for the conditions . Especially when there is an increased risk like this over a number of days," he said. "We are expecting the freezing fog to hang around all day in places and there is a significant risk of black ice, especially in the mornings. All of this means increased risk of accidents and injury. It's important that drivers take extra care and slow down in these conditions, increase their following distances and drive with their lights on." Roading contractors would be out checking roads and gritting or de-icing the affected highways over the coming days, he said. However, he advised people to avoid travelling if possible. "We have the option of closing sections of highway, or introducing restrictions, if the conditions warrant it. Our preference is to keep the roads open, and motorists can help us do that by driving with caution or staying off the roads if they can." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Climate
- The Herald
Black ice is the cause of many road accidents every winter
'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. TimesLIVE
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Bus crash in Southland closes one lane of Athol Five Rivers Highway
Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski A bus has crashed in Southland closing the south-bound lane of Athol Five Rivers Highway at Lowther. Police said emergency services were attending and black ice was reported in the area. People should drive to the conditions and watch for black ice during cold times of the day, they said. ... More to come Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drivers warned of hidden killer on winter roads after horror crash
Police and transport authorities in Australia's two most populous states are desperately encouraging motorists to drive with extra care this weekend, with frigid conditions set to make roads more hazardous in alpine regions in particular, as a cold snap exacerbates the risk of black ice. The advice comes as Victoria Police investigate whether black ice warning signs had been switched on early this morning before a multi-car accident on the Western Freeway. Three vehicles are believed to have hit black ice along the freeway at Gordon, near Ballarat, just after 6am. A caller to radio station 3AW claimed the warning signs were offline at the time. Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads and other surfaces — especially in cold or early morning conditions — and is extremely difficult to see. Despite the name, it's not black —it looks "black" because it blends in with the dark asphalt underneath, making it nearly invisible to drivers. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Victoria Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said ice detectors and warning signs are installed in high-risk areas across the state to help keep all road users safe, with three in place along the Western Freeway. They said technicians have inspected the warning lights on the Western Freeway and confirmed they are functioning. "Winter weather is well and truly here, and we remind everyone to please drive to conditions — slow down and stay a safe distance from the car in front," the spokesperson said. "We encourage motorists to allow plenty of time, drive carefully and delay your trip to avoid icy conditions." A 59-year-old man was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious injuries, while two people in their 20s, a man and a woman, were taken to Ballarat Hospital. Another woman in her 40s was also taken to Ballarat Hospital for monitoring and is in a stable condition. "Visiting the snow is a popular tradition for many, and an exciting trip for tourists, but it's important to remember it can quickly turn into a very serious situation if you're not prepared," Victoria Police Eastern Region Division Four Superintendent, Joy Arbuthnot, warned. "If you arrive without snow chains or the proper preparation, you'll be turned around." Aussies left unable to drive as cold, icy weather takes over Road warning for millions weekend amid wild weather, safety blitz Incredible pictures show Aussie towns blanketed in snow Roads appear damp or glossy, but there's no visible water spray from other vehicles. It's early morning, especially following a clear, cold night. You're driving through low-lying areas, shaded bends, or bridges. Drivers often don't realise it's there until they've lost control — steering, braking, and acceleration all become unpredictable. Vehicles can skid or slide unexpectedly, especially if travelling at speed or turning. Meanwhile, the NSW government on Friday is warning drivers headed to the Snowy Mountains to stay safe, after two separate incidents in six hours. Incredible images show both a van and an SUV having veered off the road and into a snowy ditch, with the van partially submerged in ice. "The van lost traction as snow chains weren't fitted, and the car lost control while braking downhill on an icy stretch of road," NSW Road Safety said. "Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it's a good reminder to slow down, fit snow chains when required and always drive to conditions in the snow." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Black ice and freezing temperatures a concern for Mackenzie Basin
Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry The Transport Agency is warning motorists to take care with black ice and freezing temperatures expected to cause issues in the Mackenzie Basin this week. Waka Kotahi says fog, hoar frosts and black ice are likely to make driving challenging on State Highways 8 and 80 in inland Canterbury over coming days. Parts of State Highway 8 near Lake Tekapo have been reduced to 50 kilometres per hour and roads will be closed if conditions get worse. Waka Kotahi system manager Mark Pinner said while reducing speed is not a usual approach, typical de-icing agents were working at an extreme range, making them less effective. "The nature of the conditions forecast for this week means we need to use every tool we can to keep people safe on the roads," he said. Pinner said motorists should slow down, especially with the roads expected to be busy over the Matariki long weekend. "We also know it's going to get busier later in the week as we get closer to the long holiday weekend for Matariki. Reducing speed is the biggest thing drivers can do to keep themselves safe and to help keep the highways open." Meanwhile, State Highway 7 between Canterbury and the West Coast will remain closed for a second night after a slip discovered on Sunday morning led to the closure between Springs Junction and Island Hills. Waka Kotahi says contractors have worked with a geotechnical expert to prevent further debris falling at the slip, which is just south of Riordan Creek Bridge. The closure includes Lewis Pass and Maruia Springs. There is no detour, and motorists have been asked to delay travel and avoid the area. A single lane is expected to open at 7am Tuesday, with traffic management in place.
