Adjusting to changing conditions the key to winter safety, says RACV

The ability to adjust your driving to suit wet and frosty road conditions across Victoria is crucial to lowering the winter road toll, according to RACV.

As of 7 July 2025, 152 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads in 2025 – a 12 per cent increase on the same date last year.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said wet and slippery conditions dramatically increase the risk of crashes, especially when drivers fail to adjust their behaviour to suit the changed conditions.

“During winter, roads are often slick from rain, frost or black ice, and that means you need to allow for longer stopping distances,” Mr Williams said.

“Tailgating – following too closely behind another vehicle – is especially dangerous in these conditions, and we urge all drivers to leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the one in front.”

The warning comes as recent Victorian Government data shows that 60 per cent of wet weather fatalities in 2024 had occurred at night and across regional Melbourne – further highlighting the dangers drivers face and the need for caution at this time of year.

In addition to driving cautiously in the wet, Mr Williams cautioned motorists that may be driving on roads that are covered by black ice.

“Black ice is a dangerous proposition for motorists because it’s difficult to detect and can lead to a loss of control over your vehicle,” Mr Williams said.

RACV recommends that when in cold conditions, to keep an eye out for a ‘glossy surface’ on the road, which can be black ice.

For motorists who encounter black ice on the road, RACV recommends:

• Gently lower your speed. A sudden and forceful hit on the brakes cause the vehicle to skid.
• Try to keep the steering wheel straight (if possible).
• If the rear of the car slides to the right or left, gently adjust your steering wheel to the direction of the slide. This helps realign the front wheels with the direction of travel.

Mr Williams also reminded motorists to check their vehicle’s condition ahead of the winter months to reduce the risk of breakdowns and improve safety on the road.

“Basic maintenance goes a long way. Check your tyres have sufficient tread, make sure your lights and windscreen wipers are working, and top up your coolant and washer fluid,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s also worth checking your battery, which can struggle in colder temperatures.”

RACV’s top winter driving safety tips include:

• Increase following distance in wet or icy conditions to allow more time to stop.
• Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, especially on slippery surfaces.
• Never drive through floodwaters – it’s not worth the risk.
• Prepare your car for winter by checking tyres, lights, wipers, and fluids.
• Slow down and drive to the conditions, particularly in fog or low visibility.
• If entering a Victorian alpine resort in winter, you must carry snow chains, not only for your safety, but you can face substantial fines if you do not comply. 

“Most importantly, plan ahead, check the weather and traffic reports before heading off, and be patient on the roads,” Mr Williams said.

For more information on winter driving safety, visit the RACV website.