How to safely drive in frosty winter conditions
What to do if you come across black ice this winter... and we're not talking about the air freshenerIf you haven’t heard, it's an unusual winter in Australia this year.
Temperatures are so cold they are breaking records, while rain, snow, frost, and other weather patterns are turning Australia’s typical winter weather into an entirely different beast.
This wild weather mixed with in with the usual winter culprits – such as less daylight – can impact our roads, creating challenging and dangerous driving conditions that we need to be prepared for.
RACV Head of Policy, James Williams says that driving in the winter months is very different to when roads are dry, and daylight hours are longer, as winter weather — particularly snow – can impact our perception of road conditions and driving in the dark can increase tiredness.
“Winter driving brings its own concerns, where visibility can be impacted by fog and snow and less daylight hours can increase fatigue and impact our perception of road conditions,” Mr Williams says.
There is also an increase in black ice.
“These conditions can result in ice and black ice, which can be hard to spot on the roads,” Williams says.
Because black ice isn’t visible and generally forms at night or early morning before it has been exposed to sunlight, it can be extremely dangerous for motorists.
VicRoads advises the following steps to minimise risk:
- Check for black ice warnings by visiting the VicTraffic website.
- If possible, delay your trip to avoid icy conditions. If you have to drive, allow plenty of time and drive carefully.
- If possible, use a car equipped with <a href="http://<!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Check for black ice warnings by visiting the <a href="https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VicTraffic website</a></li><li>If possible, delay your trip to avoid icy conditions. If you have to drive, allow plenty of time and drive carefully.</li><li>If possible, use a car equipped with <<< <a href="https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/what-is-traction-control-and-electronic-stability-control-110459/">https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/what-is-traction-control-and-electronic-stability-control-110459/</a> >>> Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a safety system which has been compulsory for all new passenger cars sold in Australia since 2013.</li><li>Braking takes longer in icy conditions so always allow for plenty of room between you and the car in front.</li><li>Slow down and be patient. </li></ul> Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a safety system which has been compulsory for all new passenger cars sold in Australia since 2013.
- Braking takes longer in icy conditions so always allow for plenty of room between you and the car in front.
- Slow down and be patient.
What should I do if I come across black ice when driving?
- If you hit black ice, you will have little or no control over your vehicle.
- Until you clear the patch of ice, use the accelerator, brakes, and steering as little as possible.
- Avoid accelerating, braking hard, or turning the steering wheel quickly. If you try to struggle against the ice by braking hard or steering in the opposite direction, you increase the risk of spinning out.
Other winter hazards include “reduced visibility and a slower reaction time, a feeling of fatigue while behind the wheel due to longer periods of darkness, and slippery roads which could lead to a lack of steering control,” says Williams.
Some suggestions for keeping safe while driving in winter conditions include:
- Service your car - Check to ensure your tyre tread depth and tyre pressures are correct, wiper blades are in good working order, windscreen washer fluid is filled, and all your lights are working.
- If possible, consider waiting to start your drive until the fog has lifted, the roads have defrosted, and the sun has risen enough to provide safe road visibility.
- Schedule extra time for driving.
- Maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front as it takes twice as much distance to stop in the rain. This is also relevant to foggy conditions as visibility is limited.
- Reduce your speed and acceleration.
- Turn your vehicle headlights on to increase visibility.
- Take regular breaks when driving long distances.
- Know when to stop; if weather conditions make driving unsafe (heavy rain, hail, storms etc), pull over into a safe area with your engine running, lights on and hazard lights flashing to give notice to other drivers.
For anyone living in, or visiting snowy areas, extra steps need to be taken.
“For those living in or driving through snow-covered areas, ensure you keep a set of compliant, diamond-shaped snow chains on hand and fit them to your tyres when necessary, or when directed to do so by a snow authority,” says Williams.
Related: Glaring warning for Aussie drivers this winter
Related: Winter and snow driving tips
Related: Five cars that will keep you toasty warm in winter
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