Canterbury police are urging drivers to take extra care on the roads as temperatures look set to plummet.
Overnight frosts and the likelihood of snow will increase risks to road users in Canterbury over the next 24 to 48 hours, and Police want motorists to keep a close eye on road conditions.
Senior Sergeant Phil Newton, of Canterbury Highway Patrol, says all road users need to adapt their driving to the wintry conditions.
"We're expecting to see temperatures dropping below zero in the city tonight and tomorrow night - and heavy frosts in inland areas," Senior Sergeant Newton says.
"At the same time we could be seeing snow down to relatively low levels, perhaps 200 metres.
"That's going to make many roads across the district treacherous, and will dramatically increase the risks of drivers having a crash - especially if they have a lapse in concentration," he says.
"The biggest factor in the winter road toll is motorists failing to drive to the conditions. Our most important message to all drivers is to slow down whenever the weather turns bad.
"Drivers also need to increase their following distance behind other vehicles, to ensure they have a better chance of reacting quickly enough to hazards or difficult situations."
Motorists on mountain passes need to take extra care in snow, while black ice is a risk on shaded rural roads.
Drivers should also make sure they have good visibility at all times, and clear ice and condensation from their windscreens to ensure a safe, unobstructed view.
Police recommend motorists give their vehicles a thorough check at this time of year, to ensure their vehicle is safe for the conditions and to reduce the chances of crashes. This should include:
• Tyres have sufficient tread
• Brakes are working correctly
• All lights are working
• Windscreen wipers are in good condition
• Vehicle has a current warrant of fitness
• Snow chains are on board if travelling over the passes.
ENDS