1630 days ago

We Say/You Say: Winter Driving

Reporter Hamilton Press

Hi Hamilton,

Have you had any close shaves because of hazardous winter road conditions?

There were several crashes on Monday morning in the Waikato region as a result of icy conditions.

Black ice is incredibly difficult to spot for the average motorist and the AA recommends drivers pay attention to the weather conditions the night before setting out.

Temperatures below zero, valleys and dips in the road and shaded areas where the road won't warm up as quickly are all factors in black ice formation.

"You don't want to slam on your brakes if you do get onto ice and feel the vehicle starting to slide. That's actually likely to make the vehicle go more out of control," AA spokesman Dylan Thomsen said.

Multiple precautions are taken by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to improve the safety during the winter.

The agency contracts Downer workers to drive hundreds of kilometres along stretches to detect wet patches of road as they are freezing.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is sprayed on roads and bridges in very cold areas to stop ice from forming. The chemical acts by lowering the freezing temperature of the water.

Accidents are also mitigated when asphalt is sprinkled on at-risk stretches of road.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Hamilton Press.

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6 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 77.9% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    77.9% Complete
  • 22.1% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    22.1% Complete
371 votes
11 hours ago

Poll: Do you use the district nursing service?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The health system has been accused of breaking the law amid sky-rocketing demand for community-based nurses in Waikato.

This comes as the supply of district nurses lags behind referral increases of more than 100%, leading to staff burn out and an “unprecedented” service failure.

Do you use the district nursing service? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you use the district nursing service?
  • 50% Yes
    50% Complete
  • 50% No
    50% Complete
2 votes