THIS large orange bucket smelling of calf milk was removed from State Highway 3 in mid-August where it had been blocking the northbound lane, north of Piopio.
The bucket, which has since been donated to a Te Kūiti gardener, had fallen just after a blind corner, making it difficult for drivers to see and creating a potential head-on collision hazard, had cars swerved into oncoming traffic.
Transport Agency Waikato system manager Rob Campbell said motorists should be patient and prepared to slow down on rural roads.
Although SH3 was a major road, it was still vulnerable to many of the hazards of smaller country thoroughfares.
“Rural roads are not designed for high speeds. They can be windy, narrow, have loose metal and you never know what is around the corner,” Rob said.
“Quad bikes, large farm vehicles, campervans, people towing boats and wandering stock are all common hazards on these roads.”
Waka Kotahi recommends that drivers look as far ahead as possible and avoid distractions.
Media manager Andy Knackstedt said hazards were always a possibility around blind corners.
So, drivers needed to regulate their speed, so it was always possible to avoid objects.
“If the object was on a tight/blind corner, drivers should be adjusting their speed to well under 100kmh before entering such a corner, and driving at a lower speed where they are still able to scan enough of the road ahead to safely brake and/or avoid an unexpected object on the road.”
The New Zealand road code states that all loads must be well secured and if anything falls or escapes from a person’s vehicle, it is the driver’s responsibility.
Any slippery substance, piercing or dangerous substance, glass, or any other substance that could be a danger to road users because of its size or nature, must be removed.
If it can’t be removed quickly and safely, and it can cause harm, the driver must warn the public or report it immediately to the police.
File photo
