Lessons from the Ice: Winter Driving Safety Tips for NZ Roads

One of the things we enjoy about our Behind the Whiteboard series is sharing the experiences and observations that sit behind the teaching. This week, Brian, one of CFA's owners and directors, draws on a lifetime of winter travel across New Zealand, from city streets to the open roads of Canterbury and Otago

Lessons from the Ice: A Lifetime of Winter Travel

By Brian

There are some lessons in life that stay with you forever. Others, we learn twice.

Growing up in Rotorua, winter mornings often meant heavy frosts and icy conditions. As a school student, I bundled up with my woolly hat and gloves before setting off to walk to school.

One particular morning I came across a shaded footpath beneath large trees where the sun hadn't yet reached. The path had a shiny surface, and I simply assumed it was wet. It looked like water. The next thing I knew, I was lying flat on my back.

At the time it was more embarrassing than anything else, but it taught me my first lesson about black ice.

It doesn't always look like ice. It can be almost invisible, especially in shaded areas where the temperature remains below freezing.

A few years later, I was cycling to work. As I approached a bridge on a sunny morning, I saw that same familiar shiny surface. This time I convinced myself it would be fine because the sun was out.

I had completely forgotten my childhood lesson.

Seconds later, both my bike and I were sliding across the road.

This fall hurt much more than the first. Thankfully, there were no broken bones, although my pride certainly took a hit.

Those two experiences taught me something I have never forgotten: never assume a shiny surface is simply water during winter.

Winter roads deserve respect: Spotting black ice in NZ.

Black ice is particularly dangerous because you often don't see it until it is too late. It commonly forms on and under bridges, in shaded areas, on corners and in valleys, and during the late evening, overnight, and early morning hours. It forms most readily when temperatures sit just below zero, often after rain, which is exactly when conditions can feel deceptively manageable. If you are travelling too fast when you encounter it, you may not have enough time to react safely.

Whenever possible, I try to avoid travelling during the coldest hours. Mid-morning through the afternoon is often a much safer option, as the sun has had time to warm the roads and crews have had the opportunity to grit or clear hazardous areas. Before you set out, it is worth checking weather forecasts, road condition updates, and snow and ice warnings. A little planning can make a big difference.

Snow brings its own challenges too. What appears to be fresh snow may actually have a solid layer of ice underneath. Traction can disappear without warning, and snow can build up around tyres and mudguards, reducing grip even further.

In some areas, chains are essential and may even be legally required.

Be prepared: Your winter car emergency kit checklist.

One habit I have kept over many years is carrying extra emergency supplies in my vehicle. My winter kit includes:

• A comprehensive first aid kit

• Warm jacket, beanie and gloves

• Extra clothing and a sleeping bag

• Emergency blanket

• Good sturdy footwear

• Drinking water and non-perishable food

• A small gas cooker

• A torch with spare batteries

• A collapsible road cone or warning triangle

These items are not just for me. If I come across someone who has been in a crash or breakdown, they could make a real difference while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

In freezing conditions, keeping an injured person warm is just as important as any other first aid you can offer.

If someone is unable to move and help is on the way, get them off the cold ground if it is safe to do so, layer clothing or a sleeping bag over them, and use your emergency blanket to reduce heat loss. Hypothermia can set in faster than most people expect, especially if the person is in shock or has been lying still on cold ground. Stay with them, keep talking to them, and monitor their breathing until help arrives.

Winter travel safety: Always let someone know your route.

One of the best safety habits I learned came from previous employers. Whenever I was travelling, someone always knew where I was going, which route I was taking, and my expected arrival time. Once I arrived safely, I would check in.

We ask the same of everyone here at City First Aid. If any tutors are driving in stormy conditions, or out of the city - whether in Canterbury or further afield in the South Island - we have them let us know when they are leaving, and when they arrive. We care about each member of our team!

It is a simple practice that provides reassurance to family and workmates, and ensures that if something does go wrong, help can be sent much sooner.

Final thoughts on winter driving safety in NZ.

Winter driving does not have to be frightening, but it does require respect.

I learned that the hard way, first as a child on a shaded footpath in Rotorua, and again as a young adult sliding across a bridge on my bike. In both cases I ignored what I could see because I thought I knew better.

Winter has a way of reminding us that experience counts for nothing if we stop paying attention.

So a quick reminder for your Winter driving safety - NZ style: This winter, take your time. Check the conditions. Carry your kit. And if you do come across someone who needs help, the warmest thing you can bring them might not be a blanket. It might be the fact that you stopped.

A big thanks to Brian for this one. There is something quietly reassuring about advice that comes from genuine experience, and Brian has plenty of it. That wraps up our winter safety series for 2026. If you missed any of the earlier posts, you can catch up on Jodie's piece on hypothermia, Claire's post on breathing difficulties in the cold, and Nick's look at winter sports injuries, all in the Behind the Whiteboard series. We will be back next week with something a little different, as we move into Matariki and what this time of year means to us at CFA.

This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The first aid guidance included is based on New Zealand Resuscitation guidelines and is not a substitute for formal first aid training. If you are concerned about your health or the health of someone in your care, please seek advice from a qualified health professional. In an emergency, call 111.

Tags: Behind the whiteboard · First Aid Tips