Winter road safety reminder ahead of school holidays

Published date: 28 Jun 2024

Victorians are being urged to be vigilant on the roads, slow down and drive to the conditions, as the state’s schools break for winter holidays this weekend.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is reminding motorists to adjust their driving behaviours and travel at safe speeds to adapt to wetter, slipperier and darker conditions brought on by winter.

Tragically, 137 people have died on Victorian roads so for this year including 16 lives lost since the start of June.

Road safety authorities are concerned at an increase in motorbike rider and pedestrian deaths this year, with 34 motorcyclists killed (compared with 20 at the same time last year), and 23 pedestrians (compared with 12).

Last winter, 59 fatalities were recorded on Victorian roads, with eight motorcycle riders and 15 pedestrians killed. Thirteen people, including five pedestrians, lost their lives during the 2023 winter school holiday period.

With shorter days and lower visibility, vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders are more at risk.

Motorists should use their headlights in low light and be vigilant of other road users – while people on two wheels or walking are encouraged to be visible through safe road positioning, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and always crossing at the safest point.

TAC Acting CEO, Andrew Holt, said the advice was critical as Victorians prepared to hit the road for winter school holidays, with motorists reminded to plan ahead, get more than five hours of sleep before driving, and prioritise safety while traveling the state.

“It has been a tragic year on Victorian roads and with winter and the school holidays upon us, it is so important that people are thinking about road safety and looking out for each other – plan ahead and drive to the conditions,” Mr Holt said.

“It is such a critical time for us all to put safety first when using the roads – slow down, rest up before a road trip, separate drinking from driving, put the phone away – we can all make a difference if we make safe choices,” he said.

With ski season underway, people driving in Alpine areas must take snow chains and fit them if directed to, and should adjust their speed according to the conditions as stopping distances increase on wet and icy roads.

Black ice can be common during winter months in Victoria, and motorists who encounter it should avoid sudden braking or steering, and make themselves visible to other drivers by turning on their hazard lights.

Ice-detection stations, which activate warnings to drivers if black ice is present, are installed on the Great Alpine Road, Woodend Avenue of Honour, Midland Highway, Western Freeway, Black Forest Drive and Calder Freeway.

Real-time traffic conditions including black ice warnings, road closures and other hazards are available at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au