RACV provides safe winter driving tips ahead of June long weekend

With winter officially here and the June long weekend approaching, RACV is reminding motorists to take caution on the roads as we start to see wet, foggy and icy conditions settle in the coming months.

A recent poll by RACV showed that 38 per cent of respondents plan to spend the June long weekend on a road trip or heading to Victoria’s High Country, where the snow season has begun.

Before driving along snow-covered roads, Victorian motorists should check their tyres for adequate tread. During winter and prolonged cold weather, car batteries are more likely to go flat so it’s important to test battery strength and park your car in a garage if possible.  

Wheels should also be fitted with quality, diamond-shaped snow chains and motorists must be ready to fit them if travelling on snow-covered roads.

Motorists who fail to drive with snow chains when directed by a snow field authority to do so, could be fined up to $370 by Victoria Police and those who fail to fit the chains when directed could incur a fine up to $970. 

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said driving in the winter months is very different to when roads are dry, and daylight hours are longer, as winter weather — particularly snow —can impact our perception of road conditions and driving in the dark can increase tiredness.

“Winter driving brings its own concerns, where visibility can be impacted by fog and snow and less daylight hours can increase fatigue and impact our perception of road conditions,” Mr Williams said.

"In winter, RACV is reminding motorists to drive to conditions, which may mean slowing down, and to increase the distance between the car in front,” Williams said.

“If taking a longer road trip this winter, perhaps for the upcoming long weekend, RACV encourages motorists to pull into rest stops, get some fresh air, stretch, and recharge before getting back behind the wheel. Getting to your destination a few minutes later than planned is better than putting yourself and other motorists at risk when you’re fatigued.”

If your car will not start you can call a trusted mobile mechanic, roadside assistance or access RACV’s 24/7 mobile car battery replacement service. For more helpful tips on car batteries, please visit racv.com.au.