VICTORIANS are being urged to prioritise road safety and remain cautious of changing conditions when driving during the winter season.
Following a tragic beginning to school holidays on Victorian roads, the Transport Accident Commission, TAC, is reminding motorists to remain vigilant as the winter months can bring unpredictable road conditions.
With 161 lives lost on Victorian roads so far this year, authorities are calling for caution on the roads, with winter weather bringing potential hazards like black ice, fog, rain and landslides.
TAC acting chief executive Tony Dudley warned of the challenging driving conditions and urged road users to keep safety in mind at all times.
“We encourage motorists to stay alert and plan their journeys ahead of time – in bad weather or unfamiliar surroundings, sticking to main roads and highways can be a safe option,” he said.
“It’s always best to try and avoid driving in severe weather, but if we find ourselves in difficult conditions, it is safest to slow down, be patient, be visible and look out for others on the roads.”
In the Mitchell Shire, there has been one fatality recorded on the roads for 2023 to date, after a pedestrian died in Seymour last month.
There has been two fatalities in the Macedon Ranges Shire this year, while four have been recorded in the City of Whittlesea across driver, passenger and pedestrian categories.
TAC data suggests the most dangerous times for Victorian road users this year were from 6am to 10am and 2pm to 6pm, with 87 fatalities recorded during those times from across the state.
Ninety fatalities have occurred in rural Victoria, with the most common crash type listed as ‘run off a straight road’ with 46 incidents, followed by ‘adjacent direction’ with 32.
“It’s been a tragic year on our roads, and regardless of weather conditions, our message is to always put safety first when behind the wheel – the choices we make could be the reason we and others get home safely,” Mr Dudley said.
The TAC has also reminded people about the importance of using headlights in low light and being vigilant of other road users.
Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to be visible through safe road positioning, wearing bright or reflective clothing when riding, and always crossing at the safest point.
Drivers are also encouraged to regularly inspect tyres, brakes, lights and wipers, and consider snow tyres or chains for especially slippery surfaces.
The TAC has launched the ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’ campaign to encourage road safety. .
