The best way to reduce road risks in winter is through careful preparation. Before heading out in questionable conditions, use this checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready to go.
Tyres
Good tyres are critical for safe winter driving. Tyre treads help prevent dangerous hydroplaning in wet weather and ensure reliable steering, braking and acceleration. In Victoria, the minimum legal limit for tread depth is 1.5mm, but 3mm is recommended for driving on wet roads. You should also check that your vehicle has the correct tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres can reduce grip on slippery roads and increase the likelihood of skidding.
Brakes
Winter is the season of highest demand for braking systems. Getting a professional inspection before June will ensure your vehicle can safely reduce speeds and come to a halt under compromised conditions.
Windscreens and Wipers
Visibility is paramount when it comes to driving in winter. Inspect your wiper blades for streaking or splitting and top up your washer fluid to ensure you can see in rainy conditions. Because cold temperatures can rapidly expand minor chips and cracks in windscreens, check for these and repair if necessary.
Lights
Headlights and taillights are essential for driving in reduced visibility conditions. Victorian road rules require drivers to keep headlights on in fog and heavy rain. Always ensure yours are functional before departing to prevent head-on and rear-end collisions.
Battery
Did you know cold weather can reduce your car battery’s efficiency? Because the battery is essential for powering your vehicle and all its accessories, it’s wise to test any battery over three years old before winter sets in.
Existing Vehicle Damage
If your vehicle has existing collision damage, it's important to have it professionally repaired before winter, as issues such as wheel misalignment, damaged lights or compromised suspension can affect handling and visibility in wet conditions. Reputable smash repairs can help ensure your vehicle remains safe, roadworthy and better prepared for winter driving hazards.
On-Road Driving Techniques for Winter Conditions
Once you’ve hit the road, knowing how to handle different conditions can make all the difference in keeping yourself safe.
Wet Weather Driving
In wet weather conditions, you should increase your following distance to between eight and ten seconds between your car and the car in front of you. Avoid braking suddenly or making sharp turns. Take things a bit slower than you would in dry weather. If you find yourself aquaplaning, lift your foot gently off the accelerator and steer straight – don’t brake hard.
Driving in Fog
When driving in the fog, you absolutely must use low-beam headlights. Your high beams will reflect off the fog, reducing your visibility even more. If you’ve already fitted your car with fog lights, use these. In foggy conditions, slow down significantly and avoid overtaking other drivers until visibility has improved.
Driving Around Frost and Ice
Cold, early mornings and regional roads can sometimes be covered in frost or ice, especially in areas that aren’t in direct sunlight. In this situation, you should accelerate and brake gently. If you skid, steer into the skid and ease off the accelerator. Though it may sound counterintuitive, avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause your brakes to lock up and prevent you from steering.
Night Driving
As days grow shorter, more commuters are driving at dusk and dawn, when wildlife such as kangaroos and wombats are at their most active. When driving in known wildlife zones, reduce speed and stay alert to prevent wildlife collisions.
Planning Longer Winter Journeys
Winter road safety starts before you even turn the key. If you're travelling long distances, particularly through regional Victoria, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent unnecessary risks. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure, especially if your route includes mountain roads, flood-prone areas or remote locations.
Delaying a trip by a few hours may be safer than driving through severe weather.
It's also wise to allow extra travel time during winter. Reduced visibility, wet roads and heavier traffic can all slow journey times. Rushing to make up time often leads to poor decisions such as speeding, unsafe overtaking, or following other vehicles too closely.
Drivers should also carry a few basic emergency items in their vehicle during winter, including a charged phone, phone charger, torch, drinking water and a warm jacket or blanket. These items can prove invaluable if you experience a breakdown or become stranded due to road closures or severe weather.
For longer trips, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make mistakes, particularly when driving in challenging winter conditions. A well-planned journey can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and help ensure you reach your destination safely.
What to Do if an Accident Occurs
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents can still occur. If you're involved in a minor road accident, it’s important to stay calm and, if possible, move to safety. Once you are able, call 000 and notify the VicRoads incident line to report road hazards. Document the scene thoroughly. Take photos with your smartphone and write down the details of anyone else involved, as well as any witnesses. Notify your insurer promptly.
You should also remember that even minor collisions require a professional to assess your vehicle. Damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye, so turning to trusted local repairers for smash repairs Laverton is key.
Key Takeaways
You don’t need to fear driving in winter weather conditions. Smart preparation and adjusted behaviour can dramatically reduce your winter road risk. Before hitting the road, check your vehicle’s tyres, brakes, windscreen, wipers, lights and batteries to ensure it's up to the task of getting you to your destination safely
Once you’re on the road, increasing your following distance, accelerating gently and braking slowly can make all the difference in avoiding a collision. Familiarise yourself with handling hydroplaning and skidding so your reflexes are ready to react in time. Finally, handle minor accidents calmly and systematically, knowing that a local repairer can help make your vehicle roadworthy again.
