IF the mountains are calling you, it is important to be prepared before travelling to alpine regions. RoadSafe Goulburn Valley has shared the following tips to ensure your safety in driving to the snow this winter.
1. Before the journey starts…
- Check tyres, battery, brakes, cooling system, engine and windscreen
- Always carry chains and gloves to fit them, a torch and garbage bag to avoid wet knees
- Add anti-freeze to the vehicle’s radiator
- Driving a diesel vehicle? Add ‘Alpine Diesel’ mix to the fuel tank, available at Alpine Regional Service Stations.
2. Ice and snow, take it slow!
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration on snow or ice. Allow plenty of room between you and the car in front. If you hit ice, stay calm and break gently, to slowly regain traction.
3. Take corners slowly and steer gently to avoid skidding
- Never brake fast if the vehicle skids. Instead, ease of the accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of the skid, until you regain control.
4. If you get stuck in snow
- Do not spin the wheels or rev the vehicle as this will dig the car further into the snow. Instead, put the vehicle into as high gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre the vehicle lightly forwards and backwards, then gently manoeuvre out.
5. Before exiting the mountain
- Ice and snow: remove it before you go. Clear ALL snow from your vehicle before leaving the resort. There is a hefty find and loss of demerit points for driving with snow on your roof.
- Carry an ice scraper and use the heater and air conditioner
- Never pour hot water onto your windscreen to remove snow. This will cause it to crack.
- 6. When exiting the mountain
- Keep headlights on low beam at all times and engage low gear as your drive down the mountain
- Don’t use cruise control as it restricts your ability to quickly react to poor road conditions or hazards. If the vehicle skids it will keep accelerating.
7. No puffy ski jackets on kids in car seats…
- A thick jacket can loosen the seat’s harness and baby or child could easily slide out.
To keep up to date with current road conditions before and during your trip, visit www.traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or download the Vic Traffic App.
