Fog, sun glare and the ever–present threat of worsening potholes make driving throughout the region and the state particularly hazardous during winter.
These conditions reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of hitting a pothole or, for those heading towards alpine areas, encountering black ice. They can also impair a driver’s ability to spot hazards, judge distances and react in time, increasing the risk of damage to tyres, vehicles or worse.
For locals who have already had multiple wheels damaged on roads riddled with potholes, including areas near the Murchison turn–off, Wahring AMPOL, Tatura-Murchison Road and stretches of the Tatura-Rushworth Road described by one commuter as “pothole hell”, the seasonal conditions only heighten the need for extra caution.
To improve visibility, the Transport Accident Commission advises drivers to switch on their headlights so they can be clearly seen. It is important not to rely on daytime running lights alone, as these often do not activate rear lights.
This can cause confusion, as modern dashboards remain illuminated in low light, leading some drivers to think their headlights are on when they are not.
Sun glare is also a risk in winter, when lower sun angles in the early morning and late afternoon can be particularly intense. Keeping your windscreen clean inside and out helps reduce glare, and sunglasses can make a difference.
On wet or icy roads, adjust your speed to suit the conditions and maintain a safe following distance of at least three to four seconds. Tailgating is for fools only.
Finally, ensure your tyres have the correct pressure and sufficient tread, and that your wiper blades are in good condition to handle rain and frost.
Taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference, helping keep you and others safe on the road during the colder months.
Victoria’s most dangerous roadsaccording to RACV report:
North East Victoria
- Murray Valley Highway and Echuca Road – Echuca to Shepparton
- Midland Highway – Shepparton to Benalla
- Beechworth-Wangaratta Road – Wangaratta to Beechworth
- Goulburn Valley Highway and Maroondah Highway – Yea to Mansfield
- Great Alpine Road – Wangaratta to Bright
- Maroondah Highway – Alexandra to Healesville
- Melba Highway – Yea to Dixons Creek
- Midland Highway – Benalla to Mansfield
- Murray Valley Highway – Cobram to Yarrawonga
- Murray Valley Highway – Corryong to Tallangatta
- Murray Valley Highway – Wodonga to Tallangatta
Eastern Victoria
- Bass Highway – San Remo to Wonthaggi
- Bass Highway – Wonthaggi to Leongatha
- Great Alpine Road – Bairnsdale to Omeo
- Monaro Highway – Cann River to NSW border
- Princes Highway East – Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance
- Princes Highway East – Lakes Entrance to NSW border
- South Gippsland Highway – Foster to Leongatha
- South Gippsland Highway – Foster to Yarram
- South Gippsland Highway – Loch to Leongatha
- South Gippsland Highway – Yarram to Sale
- Strzelecki Highway – Leongatha to Mirboo North
South West Victoria
- Glenelg Highway – Dunkeld to Hamilton
- Glenelg Highway – Hamilton to SA border
- Great Ocean Road – Lorne to Apollo Bay
- Great Ocean Road – Port Campbell to Apollo Bay
- Great Ocean Road – Warrnambool to Port Campbell
- Hamilton Highway – Mortlake to Hamilton
- Henty Highway – Portland to Hamilton
- Midland Highway – Ballarat to Geelong
- Princes Highway West – Colac to Camperdown
- Princes Highway West – Portland to Port Fairy
Western Victoria
- Glenelg Highway – Lake Bolac to Dunkeld
- Henty Highway – Horsham to Hamilton
- Midland Highway – Ballarat to Daylesford
- Midland Highway – Castlemaine to Daylesford
- Pyrenees and Glenelg Highways – Dunkeld to Ararat
- Pyrenees Highway – Avoca to Ararat
- Western Highway – Ararat to Stawell
- Western Highway – Ballarat to Trawalla
- Western Highway – Horsham to Stawell
- Western Highway – Nhill to Horsham
North West Victoria
- Calder Highway – Ouyen to Charlton
- Calder Highway – Ouyen to Mildura
- Loddon Valley Highway – Bendigo to Kerang
- Mallee Highway – Ouyen to SA border
- Murray Valley Highway – Swan Hill to Robinvale
- Northern Highway – Echuca to Heathcote
- Northern Highway and McIvor Highway – Wallan to Bendigo
- Pyrenees Highway – Maryborough to Castlemaine
- Robinvale-Sea Lake Road – Robinvale to Manangatang
- Sunraysia Highway – St Arnaud to Donald
