Prepare for the road
Country roads provide significant challenges for even the best drivers.
You can expect to find farmers and their dogs moving livestock, people riding horses, walkers, cyclists, and farm machinery, all sharing the road with you. It is important to be prepared for the unexpected and SLOW DOWN.
Gravel roads
When driving on unsealed roads, you should reduce your speed to no more than 70km/h. It pays to slow down even further when approaching oncoming traffic, as the dust will obscure your vision. Drive too fast and you will loose control.
Unsealed roads are inspected regularly by the Council’s Roads Maintenance Contractor who determines whether additional maintenance is required.
Contact Council if you have any concerns about the state of any unsealed road.
Stock movements
Farmers often use rural roads to move animals between paddocks or to graze stock at the side of the road.
Hedges that shade the road
Some hedges can impact on road safety especially when the road runs from east to west and the trees are planted on the northern side.
These trees and hedgerows can cause icing on roads and footpaths creating hazards for drivers. Council asks that landowners keep their trees and hedges trimmed.
Sun and Stock
Sunstrike
This is when the sun’s rays hit vehicle windscreens making it difficult or impossible to see. It is a significant problem for both tourists and local residents travelling in the winter months.
Sunstrike can occur at sunrise or sunset when the sun is at a low angle. You need to be prepared for it, especially when driving towards the sun. Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out. Dust and grime on the windscreen can make the effects of sunstrike much worse.
Horses
Don’t be surprised if you come across children and adults riding horses along rural roads.
The Road Code requires that you pass slowly and give them plenty of room. Don’t sound your horn or rev your engine because horses and ponies can panic around fast-moving cars. Stop if the horse appears frightened.
The average horse weighs 450kgs and could do a lot of damage to you and your car if you run into them.
If there are animals on the road:
If you come across wandering stock contact Council. |
Accidents with animals
If you injure a domestic or farm animal on the road you must tell the animal’s owner. If you can’t contact them, tell the SPCA or the Police no more than 48 hours after the accident.
Rural drink driving
There are few alternative forms of transport in the rural areas of the District.
If you are planning a trip to a local, visit friends, or a barbeque down at the river, where alcohol may be consumed:
- Stick to soft drinks
- Arrange a ride with a sober driving
- Stay the night