By REBECCA BILLS
AS WINTER creeps up, drivers are reminded to take extra care on the roads.
Poor visibility on the roads over winter due to contributing factors including thick fog, heavy rain, windy conditions and low clouds all play a part in the slippery and sometimes dangerous road conditions.
VicRoads Metropolitan South East Regional Director Adam Maguire said these dangerous conditions, especially prevalent across the hills, means drivers need to be extra vigilant and careful during this season.
He said that, regardless of weather conditions, everyone could improve road safety by slowing down and exercising care and patience on the roads.
“When driving in winter, especially in wet, foggy or windy conditions, drivers need to slow down and leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the one that is in front of you,” he said.
“Use your headlights and maintain your vehicle by checking tyres, de-misters and windscreen wipers.”
Lilydale Leading Senior Constable Graeme Rust said drivers needed to adjust their driving to the conditions.
“If you are driving in foggy or wet conditions you are allowed to use your fog lamps fitted to the vehicle while those conditions prevail,” he said.
“If the roads become wet you can bet your bottom dollar there is going to be an increase in collisions.
“So the biggest thing is to slow down, make allowances and hang back from the vehicle in front of you.”
Mr Maguire said human factors such as fatigue, speeding and drink driving were contributory factors in many crashes.
He said that wet weather and winter conditions should prompt drivers to remember that speed signs refer to the maximum speed allowed.
“So drivers should always adapt their speed to suit the conditions,” he said.
