Snow chains, increased braking distances and black ice should all be kept in mind as West Gippslanders travel to alpine resorts to take advantage of recent snowfalls.
Mt Baw Baw is enjoying a strong start to the season with several lifts in operation over the school holiday period.
However, amidst all the snow fun, drivers need to be mindful road conditions can change quickly in alpine areas and hazards may include snow, fog, ice, and high winds.
The Transport Department has reminded motorists that preparation is key to a safe journey in these challenging conditions.
Motorists should check the VicTraffic website or mobile app for current road closures and black ice warnings before travelling.
Drivers to all alpine resorts are required to carry snow chains and fit them if directed to do so. The department suggested practicing 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 urged to be vigilant for other cars, slow moving buses and snow clearing vehicles that 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 the 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, motorists are urged to use fog lights instead of using headlights on high beam. 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, Woodend Avenue of Honour, Midland Highway, Western Freeway, Black Forest Drive and Calder Freeway.
Bridge Deck Heating Systems which remove frost, ice and snow hazards are installed in eight dual span bridges on the Calder Freeway. In addition, 13 detection sites which use sensor data to activate the appropriate heat setting are also installed.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.