Kia ora team,

We can’t avoid talking about the weather, great to see some white stuff on the hills lately and all the positives its presence brings to the area. Fingers crossed for a bit more over the next few days.

On the topic of snow, a timely reminder to check that the chains you have in your vehicle fit the tyres and just as importantly that you know how to fit them. A dry run in the comfort of your garage might save some considerable numbness in the fingers come the next big dump.

A few other road matters…

School buses; school appears to be so darn exciting these days that kids seem overwhelmed with eagerness to leave the warm embrace of their parents to catch the school bus that they may just forget to look for cars when crossing the road.

So, as a great backup plan, all vehicles, traveling in either direction, are required to travel at no more than 20km/h when passing a stationary school bus.

Please keep an eye out for them! If their health and welfare aren’t a good enough reason to slow down, then the knowledge that if you’re caught travelling past them at more than 70km/h then you face an instant 28-day loss of your driver's licence plus a hefty fine.

Bike helmets and seat belts; they’re to be worn for your own protection. If you need no other motivation then pause and think how they might make a huge difference in the end result of a crash. Does the thought of someone else having to assist you in cleaning up basic bodily functions for the rest of your life not make you want to make that small and simple effort?

We would encourage folk to report instances of unsociable driving behaviour such as burnouts or unnecessary acceleration. If you can safely obtain footage, it can be golden in assisting us with our enquiries.

We had an incident last week where a driver thought it would be a good idea to do some doughnuts at the freedom camping area near Luggate’s Red Bridge. In the process, they smashed several windows in the campers’ vans.

Big shout out to the members of Wānaka’s Community Patrol who located the vehicle in Wānaka later in the evening which allowed police to locate and impound the vehicle responsible. The already disqualified driver will be appearing in court later this month on several charges.

The volunteers of the patrol are of great assistance to police and their endeavours are hugely appreciated.

We had some MAC members of Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) accompany us at an impairment checkpoint last week. Great for them to get out and reward those drivers who were sober coming through the checkpoint but once again we still have people coming in over the limit. Please plan ahead and come up with some better transport options for the trip home.

Regarding good planning, if you’re a learner/restricted driver then know the conditions that come with that licence.

We understand the good intent of wanting to transport your friends about town, but it’s going to be you facing fines and demerit points when we pull you over.

We’ve had a few unsavoury instances in town with alcohol a large factor. Look after your mates and tell them when it’s time to leave. When bar/security staff ask you to leave, don’t argue the point. They risk punishment if they serve or have intoxicated people in their establishments.

Have a safe week out there!