Winter is here and that means shorter days, colder temperatures, and wet roads. All motorists need to take greater care in wet and slippery conditions.
CPV drivers and owners are urged to remember that a key part of maintaining driver and passenger safety in poor weather is making sure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Drivers should check their vehicle before each shift to make sure it is in good condition.
Here are some simple safety tips for drivers and vehicle owners to help you stay safe this winter.
Winter safety tips
- Use your headlights
Improve your visibility to other drivers by keeping your headlights on, even in light rain. - Check your tyres.
Tyres are your connection with the road. Worn or bald tyres provide less grip – particularly when the road is wet. Check your tyres regularly. Inflate tyres to the recommended levels (to find out what is right for your car, look for the tyre inflation placard inside the car’s door). Over or under inflated tyres can lead to handling problems and wear out your tyres faster. VicRoads advises that except at the tread wear indicators, tyres must have at least a tread depth of 1.5mm in all principal grooves. If there is less than 1.5mm, then it’s time for a new set of tyres. - Check all your lights.
Make sure your lights are working. Worn out headlight bulbs make it harder for other road users to see you and make it more difficult for you to see the road. Having working brake lights is a no-brainer – they’re essential for letting vehicles behind you know when you are stopping. Make sure your indicators (turn signals) are working so you alert other road users when turning or merging. Check headlights, brake lights and indicator lights regularly and replace when necessary. - Reduce your speed and leave more room.
Slippery surfaces can increase stopping distances. Reduce your speed to maintain control of your vehicle. Give yourself more space between your car and the one in front of you. This extra distance allows for safer braking and reaction time in case of sudden stops. Motoring experts recommend leaving at least a 4 second gap. - Replace windscreen wipers.
The rubber on windscreen wipers deteriorates over time, particular in hot summer weather, meaning that by the time winter arrives you can be left with poor forward vision in wet weather. It’s time to replace your wiper blades if they shudder when moving or leave streaks on the glass that obscure your vision through the windscreen. Rubber refills are cheap and easy to replace. - Avoid sudden braking.
Apply brakes gently and avoid sharp steering changes. Sudden heavy braking and erratic movement can lead to skidding on wet roads. - Stay alert.
Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who may be more difficult to see in poor weather conditions.
Safe Transport Victoria has an ongoing safety program in which our inspectors conduct vehicle testing and roadside spot checks looking at safety items such as tyres, headlights, brake lights, and windscreen wipers.
Our Code of Practice offers guidance to the industry on how to follow safety rules, especially concerning safety responsibilities. Learn more.