Avoid the winter blues by slowing down and driving to the conditions

Drivers across the Blue Mountains and Central Tablelands are being urged to slow down and drive to the conditions this winter as snow, sleet, rain and black ice add to the hazards on our roads.

Transport for NSW’s winter weather safety campaign is running from Thursday 5 June until the end of August and aims to reduce crashes in the colder months due to ice and snow conditions.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the campaign will utilise variable message signs (VMS), social media, radio and newspaper advertising to remind drivers of the unique set of dangers.

“During the winter months there is an increased risk to motorists across many parts of the region with reduced visibility and icy road conditions,” the spokesperson said.

“To improve safety, motorists should reduce their speed and drive with their headlights on low beam during the day to improve visibility to other road users. They should also use the vehicle's fog or headlights when the weather deteriorates.

“It is important to be extra vigilant when driving at night, dawn or dusk, or when surface moisture and dew can freeze into black ice which is extremely slippery and difficult to see. 

“Black ice can remain on roads well into the day, especially in shaded or low-lying areas.”

While most ice and snow crashes go unreported, in the five years to 2023 there were 55 crashes reported on roads with snow or ice surface conditions, with 34 of these casualty crashes.

The 34 snow and ice casualty crashes resulted in 42 casualties including 11 serious injuries and 23 moderately injured.

“We want everyone to get home safely this winter so we’re reminding drivers of the measures they can follow to avoid the increased dangers on our roads,” the spokesperson said.

Top tips for safer winter driving:

•    Reduce your speed 

•    Drive to the conditions

•    Be aware of the likelihood of black ice

•    Turn your headlights on, even during the day 

•    Allow extra space  

•    Follow warning signs 

•    Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.