NAVIGATING SUNSTRIKE

Sunstrike is a blinding glare that can be incredibly dangerous for motorists during winter months in Aotearoa. It is important to plan ahead, stay alert, slow down and drop back.

It can happen at any time of the day but is most likely during the morning or afternoon, when the sun’s rays can hit your windscreen at a low angle, making it difficult, or even impossible, to see.

One way to help combat this and improve visibility is keeping the inside and outside of your windscreen clean, as excess dust or grime can increase the effects of sunstrike.

Try keeping a clean waffleweave microfibre cloth handy to wipe the inside of your windscreen. The waffle-weave texture helps prevent streakiness. You can also use your sun visor to help reduce glare.

Before heading out, check you have filled up your water and window washer fluid levels.

If possible, keep a spare pair of polarised sunglasses in your car to wear to minimise the amount of sun in your eyes.

When you can't see at intersections due to sunstrike, look outside your windows and proceed extremely slowly until the sunstrike clears. Don't presume the way is clear. As always, if you are struggling to see or don’t feel comfortable driving in the conditions, pull over safely and wait a few minutes to see if the conditions improve or the sun moves into a different position.

It is also important to pay attention to who else is on the road, including cyclists and pedestrians, who may also experience sunstrike and not see vehicles approaching. Increasing your following distance to give yourself more time to react if anything goes wrong, and reducing speed, can help ensure everyone using the road gets home safely.

For more information about driving safe in winter visit: www.selwyn.govt.nz/ winterdriving

EDUCARE

Opening Hours

7:30am - 5pm

ANNABEL’S EDUCARE & 3 YR & 4 YR OLD KINDERGARTENS

12-16 South Tce, Darfield

• Educare Ph 318 7943

• 3 Year Ph 318 7948

• 4 Year Ph 318 8843

School Holiday Fun

Make some magic, hone your spy skills, go on an animal at the zoo adventure, or see your favourite book characters come to life these school holidays.

If you’re planning for the school holidays make sure you head into one of our facilities, or over to Selwyn District Council’s website and pick up a copy of the ‘What’s On’ brochure packed with holiday activities. From building an insect hotel, heritage hunting or running some energy out at the Selwyn Sports Centre there’s a huge variety of things happening to suit all ages and interests.

Have a magical time learning your own magic tricks with magician Shad Rutherford, see him perform his hilarious show or test your magic knowledge with a Harry Potter Quiz.

castle fun day and sports skills sessions at Selwyn Sports Centre.

For those into art and craft there are opportunities to make your own masks, put on a puppet show, learn painting and pastel art, get handy with some cross- stich or learn the art of 3D printing.

Pick up a copy of the school holidays guide at your local Council facility or download a copy and plan your events at: selwyn.govt.nz/events.