THE Department of Transport has reminded motorists that preparation is the key to a safe journey on alpine roads, as many travel to take advantage of recent snowfalls.
Road conditions can change quickly in alpine areas, with potential hazards including snow, fog, ice and high winds, and motorists are advised to check the VicTraffic website or mobile app for current road closures and black ice warnings before travelling.
Drivers to alpine resorts are required to carry snow chains, and fit them if directed to do so; it's also suggested to practice fitting the chains before heading up the mountain, and carrying gloves, a torch and a garbage bag to make the job easier.
A video guide is available at snowsafe.org.au/drivingsafety.
For better vehicle control and to prevent damage to snow chains, motorists should drive at a lower speed and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
Braking distances increase in wet and icy conditions, so motorists are encouraged to be vigilant for other cars, slow–moving buses and snow–clearing vehicles which may need more space to manoeuvre.
Low–gears should be used when driving downhill, and if encountering ice, motorists need to remain calm and apply the brakes gently to slowly regain traction.
Black ice is common across Victoria during the colder months, and is not able to be seen from inside a vehicle.
Black ice generally forms at night, in the early mornings, or on sections of roads that haven't been exposed to sunlight.
Motorists are warned to avoid any sudden braking or steering movements if they believe black ice is present and should instead slow gradually and make themselves visible to other drivers by activating hazard lights.
In fog or snowy conditions, the use of fog lights instead of headlights on high beam is encouraged, and hazard lights can also be used with low beam when fog lights are not available.
Ice–detection stations, which activate warnings to drivers if black ice is present, are installed on the Great Alpine Road at Eurobin and Harrietville.
Real–time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.