The police message to Brass Monkey Rally motorcyclists is to beware of danger this weekend.
Otago Police are urging all motorists to take extra care this weekend on the region’s potentially icy roads but as the rally is taking place in the Ida Valley, wanted to remind participants to be even more careful on two wheels.
Central Otago area response manager Senior Sergeant Clint Wright said Queen’s Birthday weekend, like other long weekends in and around Central Otago and the wider Queenstown Lakes area, would bring an influx of people driving in and around roads and highways.
Driving to the conditions was paramount, he said.
If the weather was bad and travel could not be put off, drivers were asked to allow extra time for their journey and to plan to drive in the middle of the day or in daylight hours, when visibility was better and ice and snow was less likely to be on the road.
Avoid driving at night, when hazards rapidly multiplied, Snr Sgt Wright said.
Due to the rally there would be a large number of motorcycles on the highways and drivers were asked to keep an eye on their surroundings and if passing, to double check mirrors and blind spots.
Police would be out in force, and motorists could expect to be stopped for impairment testing, he said.
"Do not drink and drive."
