Latest news with #roadconditions
ABC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
School holiday snow tourists urged to drive safely amid surge in vehicles sliding off road
Holiday-makers hitting visiting ski fields in New South Wales are being advised to drive to the conditions amid a surge in vehicles sliding off roads. More than 6,000 motorists were estimated to have attended ski resorts over the weekend, which forced road closures after car parks at Perisher and Thredbo reached capacity. It is peak period in the Snowy Mountains due to the rush from the NSW and ACT school holidays. "So far this snow season, there's been a fourfold increase on last year with people sliding off the side of the road," Transport for NSW operations management executive director Craig Moran said. Mr Moran said there had been about 100 instances of cars sliding off the road so far this winter, but none were considered to be major crashes. Roads remain busy today and Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way may be closed again due to car parks filling up. Visitors are encouraged to take public transport including the Skitube or the NSW government's Snowy Mountains Bus Service. Drivers can subscribe to SMS alerts from Transport for NSW for information about car park capacity. They are also being urged to fit snow chains to their tyres. "Driver error and inexperience is playing a factor," Mr Moran said. "Please slow down, be easy on the brake and accelerator and just be patient. "Driver behaviour generally has been pretty good … it's just some people making poor choices." Mechanics in Jindabyne have plenty of experience repairing vehicles during winter. Snow Country Automotive co-owner Megan Shirk said it was "anticipated". "Winter is our crazy, busy period," she said. Ms Shirk said vehicles needed work after long trips, wildlife strikes or collisions en route to the ski resorts. "Just last week we had a two-in-one job — one guy had swerved off the icy road into another girl's car," she said. Ms Shirk said she could empathise with those travelling long distances to get to the slopes but urged drivers to slow down. "I used to be a Sydneysider — I know the story," she said. "You drive six hours or so to get here and all you want to do is get to the snow. "I can understand people are impatient these days, but people aren't driving to the conditions and slowing down."
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Lanes on State Highway 5 Napier–Taupō Road closed by diesel spill
A main highway linking Hawke's Bay to Taupō is down to one lane due to dangerous conditions caused by a diesel spill. Police said the northbound lanes of State Highway 5 (Napier-Taupō Road) at Te Pōhue northwest of Eskdale were shut. Crews were cleaning it up, and motorists were advised to take care. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alabama's interstate lane closures to be removed for 4th of July holiday weekend
In hopes of contributing to efficient and safe holiday travel this Independence Day weekend, the Alabama Department of Transportation will remove temporary lane closures on interstates from noon Thursday, July 3, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6. With the expected increased traffic flow, the removal of the temporary lane closures hopes to better protect drivers, and construction and maintenance crews. ALDOT offered tips to address safer driving: Eliminate distractions: Keep your focus on the road by avoiding distractions such as texting, scrolling or talking on the phone. ALDOT reminds motorists that Alabama has a hands-free law. This law prohibits drivers from holding electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Buckle up: Seat belts remain the most effective protection against serious injury in a crash. Always ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt properly. Avoid impaired driving. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs your ability to react. Staying sober behind the wheel protects you and everyone on the road. Slow down. Speeding increases risks of serious injury or death and makes sudden hazards harder to avoid. Watch posted speed limits and adjust for traffic, weather and road conditions. More: Are banks, grocery stores and post offices closed for July 4th in Alabama? What to know Live traffic feeds, with road condition information including crashes, can be found at or through the ALGO Traffic app. The current map shows dozens of temporary lane closures, for maintenance or construction work, throughout the state, with some of the heaviest concentration along I-59/20, which runs roughly east-west, through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the News app Reach Mark Hughes Cobb at To support his work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Traveling for the 4th? What you need to know about Alabama interstates
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.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Summer snow forecasted for B.C. Interior highways
Friday may be the first day of summer, but there is snow in the forecast for some highways in B.C.'s Interior. Environment Canada says wet snow is possible at higher elevations on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton and from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass. Up to four centimetres is predicted to accumulate between Friday night and Saturday afternoon. 'Because of the convective nature of the system, snow levels may temporarily lower to 1,200 (to) 1,600 metres as intense bands of precipitation move through,' reads a special weather statement. 'Snowfall accumulations will be highly variable depending on elevation. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.' Along with the forecasted snow, Environment Canada is warning of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain Friday and Saturday in a large section of the interior. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the Okanagan, the Fraser Canyon, Shuswap, Boundary, Nicola, Similkameen and Yoho and Kootenay parks. 'Don't drive through flooded roadways. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility,' the alert reads. The agency predicts up to 40 millimetres of rain by Saturday afternoon in the affected regions.
