Our main offices will be closed Easter Weekend. Refuse collection will not take place on Good Friday, 29 March. Areas, where refuse is collected on Fridays, will instead have collections on Saturday, 30 March. This affects the Te Teko, Edgecumbe, Poroporo and White Pine Bush areas. Refuse will be collected on all other days as normal.
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Drive to the conditions - rain

Weather conditions pose particular risks for Eastern Bay of Plenty drivers at this time of year. Rain, for example, equals wet and slippery roads that make driving challenging. Understanding and knowing how to deal with this issue will help you stay safe on the road.

If you crash, there’s a strong chance other people will be affected. Think of your family. Think of other drivers. Think of their families. Always take note of weather conditions before you set off, and drive accordingly. Every driving day is different; keep this in mind and change your approach, regardless of what the legal speed limit is.

Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones and the radio. Be aware of your surroundings. To avoid the risk of a crash when it’s raining:

  • Turn on your headlights so it’s easier to see, and easier for others to see you. Keep your windshield clean inside and out, so visibility is as good as possible.
  • Double your following distances. You should have a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front when it’s raining, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.
  • Rain reduces tyre grip, so slow down on narrow or winding roads, corners, steep hills and gravel to avoid skidding.
  •  If the rain is hard enough to limit visibility, even with your windscreen wipers going at full speed, pull over. You risk crashing if you can’t see properly.
  • Change your windscreen wipers regularly. All the sunshine we get in the Eastern Bay breaks the rubber down and wipers can quickly lose their effectiveness, even if rarely used.
  • Be aware of hydroplaning, when your vehicle travels over ponded water and has no or little contact with the road. Your traction is reduced significantly. If you begin to hydroplane take your foot off the accelerator and steer straight. Stay calm.
  • Avoid driving through still or flowing water in a roadway if possible, and watch for water in low areas and around clogged storm water drains. Water could stall your engine and float your car off the road if it’s deep enough. It can also affect your brakes.
  • Good tyres are essential, so check yours regularly. They are your only contact with the road, and worn treads greatly affect your vehicle’s handling and performance, regardless of weather conditions.

Visit Eastern Bay Road Safety on Facebook for news, information and advice about driving around the region.