The ability to adjust your driving to suit wet and frosty road conditions across Victoria is crucial to lowering the winter road toll, according to RACV.
It comes as the road toll continues to climb, currently up about 12 per cent on the same time last year.
RACV head of policy, James Williams, said wet and slippery conditions dramatically increase the risk of crashes, especially when drivers fail to adjust their behaviour to suit the changed conditions.
“During winter, roads are often slick from rain, frost or black ice, and that means you need to allow for longer stopping distances,” Mr Williams said.
“Tailgating – following too closely behind another vehicle – is especially dangerous in these conditions, and we urge all drivers to leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the one in front.”
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The warning comes as recent Victorian government data shows that 60 per cent of wet weather fatalities in 2024 had occurred at night and across regional Victoria – further highlighting the dangers drivers face and the need for caution at this time of year.
In addition to driving cautiously in the wet, Mr Williams cautioned motorists that may be driving on roads that are covered by black ice, which can lead to loss of control over a vehicle.
RACV recommends keeping an eye out for a ‘glossy surface’ on the road, which can be black ice, and if you encounter it, gently lower your speed, try to keep the steering wheel straight (if possible) and if the rear of the car slides to the right or left, gently adjust your steering wheel to the direction of the slide, which helps realign the front wheels with the direction of travel.
Mr Williams also reminded motorists to check their vehicle’s condition ahead of the winter months to reduce the risk of breakdowns and improve safety on the road.
“Basic maintenance goes a long way - check your tyres have sufficient tread, make sure your lights and windscreen wipers are working, and top up your coolant and washer fluid,” he said.
“It’s also worth checking your battery, which can struggle in colder temperatures.”
Drivers are reminded that if entering a Victorian alpine resort in winter, you must carry snow chains for your safety, and you can face substantial fines if you do not comply.
Earlier this month, Victoria Police said they were disappointed at the number of motorists arriving at alpine resorts unprepared, with more than 80 cars turned away each weekend from Mt Buller for failing to carry required snow chains at alpine resorts.
Only three weeks into the snow season, police made 50 rescues on Mt Hotham – mostly consisting of motorists who needed to be extracted due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Local community group RoadSafe North East strongly urges motorists to practise fitting chains before the trip, or if hiring chains, to ask the rental shop to show you how, and then make sure you do it yourself under their guidance.
Authorities will advise when to stop and fit the chains, in a designated chain-fitting area.
Their advice is to only fit chains to the driving wheels, which are the back wheels on rear wheel drive cars, and front wheels on front wheel drive cars and to carry a torch, plastic garbage bag and gloves to make fitting easier.
Tyre pressure should be 25 PSI or higher when using chains, and tyre manufacturers recommend that cars with radial tyres shouldn’t travel faster than 40 km per hour when fitted with chains.
Drivers are also advised to stop and check the tension of the chains after driving about 200 metres.
For more information on driving in snow or icy roads visit www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/cars/tips-for-driving-in-the-snow.html.
