Don't be slipping this snow season
The snow season officially starts this long weekend, and motorists heading off for the King’s Birthday holiday break are reminded to take it easy on our roads, particularly in alpine areas.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Coordination Roger Weeks said people travelling to regional NSW are reminded snow is not the only winter hazard, with frost and fog also bringing challenging road conditions to many inland areas.
“We’re expecting rain in the lead up to the long weekend, and as the temperature drops we’ll likely see icy and slippery roads, particularly during the early morning,” Mr Weeks said.
“There have been 276 crashes on alpine roads over the last five snow seasons, sadly resulting in eight fatalities. We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely, so drive to the conditions and take extra care.
“Snow and black ice are serious hazards, so reduce your speed, limit braking, and keep extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
“The main type of crash we see during the snow season are vehicles running off the road on corners, so remember to take it slow, always carry chains, and use them when necessary.
“If you aren’t confident driving in alpine conditions, then please don’t. Our Snowy Mountains bus service will be operating every day during the snow season providing a simple, safe, and stress-free alternative option.
“Last year the service connected 15,000 people in Jindabyne with resorts at Perisher and Thredbo, and it has been expanded this year to meet growing demand.”
Traditionally traffic departing Sydney for the June long weekend is heaviest southbound towards the snowfields on Saturday morning. Traffic heading west and north out of the city is expected to increase from Friday evening.
Motorists are reminded double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and helmet offences from Friday, 9 June until Monday, 12 June, inclusive.
Mr Weeks said no matter where people are heading, planning their journey is the best way to arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
“Please make sure you drive to road conditions, stick to the speed limit, give yourself plenty of travel time and never drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.
“Be a winner this winter and plan your trip. We’re expecting large numbers of keen snow-goers to head to the slopes this year, so use our journey planning tool and keep an eye on Live Traffic NSW for up to the minute information on incidents and road closures.”
Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com or calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.
The Snowy Mountains bus service trial will run seven days a week from 10 June to 1 October. For more information and to book tickets visit www.snowymountainsbus.com.au