Southern District Police are warning motorists to take extra care on the roads with a bad batch of weather on the horizon.

Rain, wind and snow is forecast across the Southern District over the coming days and will affect driving conditions.

Poor weather reduces visibility and increases stopping distances, so remember to watch your following distances when in traffic and slow your speed.

Officers are aware of several recent crashes and near-misses involving drivers travelling at dangerously high-speeds, creating enormous risk to themselves, their passengers and other road users.

This week alone, emergency services have received around 30 calls reporting vehicle collisions across the district, three of which included serious crashes.

Police are reminding all drivers to drive to the conditions, stay within the speed limit, make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt, put the phone down and drive sober to arrive alive.