With more heavy rain forecast for tonight, police are reminding motorists to moderate their driving behaviour during wet weather.

Police note that when significant rain arrives, crash numbers increase, and a high proportion of those crashes are linked to driving behaviour rather than road conditions alone.

“We’re asking motorists to be patient and focus on arriving safely at their destination by moderating their driving behaviour to suit conditions,” said Senior Sergeant Cam Mackinnon.

He advises motorists to increase following distances, reduce speed, and allow more time to reach their destination.

He said police frequently attend nose-to-tail crashes where drivers had failed to adjust their following distance for the conditions.

Police have asked motorists travelling on State Highway 35 to be patient and mindful that there may be increased traffic on the road.

The Waioeka Gorge is closed due to multiple slips over the weekend, meaning all Gisborne-bound traffic must take a significant detour around the coastal road.

Although many holidaymakers have returned home, school holidays are ongoing, and traffic volumes on local roads remain high.

“We’ve got a couple of routes in and out of town and over to Ōhope that become congested,” said Mr Mackinnon.

“We need people to drive courteously, maintain safe following distances even on sunny days, and increase them further in wet conditions.”

Police also remind motorists to be mindful of speed limits. There was a serious crash on Tahuna Road last week that resulted in a death.

Mr Mackinnon said the crash was still under investigation, however, initial indications suggested speed was a contributing factor.