New drivers urged to stay safe in the wet this winter

03 Jun 2014

The Transport Accident Commission is urging Victorians to adapt to changing weather conditions by slowing down and taking extra care on the roads as winter sets in.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the start of winter can be hazardous on the roads, particularly for young drivers with little experience driving in the wet and under poor visibility.

“The roads are most slippery when rain sets in after a prolonged dry period - that sums up the conditions we’re experiencing as we head towards the school holidays and the Queen’s Birthday long weekend,” Ms Dore said.

Ms Dore urged road users, particularly in regional areas, to drive to the conditions, whether that means travelling a little under the speed limit in the wet or pulling over if visibility worsens and conditions become treacherous.

"Pulling over may add a little more time to your journey, but a collision could be life changing and it is always best to play it safe,” Ms Dore said.

“This message is especially important for P-Platers, because we know from serious injury data that they are 30 times more likely to be involved in a crash in their first six months of driving solo than when they were on their L-Plates.

“It is also important to remember when driving on regional roads at dusk and dawn that animals may be a potential hazard. Animals’ reactions are more unpredictable than humans’, so it is best to slow down if you see a kangaroo or other creature ahead of you,” Ms Dore said.

The warning comes as the TAC’s Safer P-Platers campaign returns to the air, encouraging parents to stay involved with their child’s driving as they gain experience on their P-Plates.

“Now is a perfect time for parents to stay involved in their kids’ driving and continue to coach them - it could make all the difference,” Ms Dore said.

Other tips for winter driving include:

• Ensure tyres are in good condition;
• Get plenty of rest before your journey;
• Brake gently;
• Turn your lights on, even during the day; and
• Reduce your speed in fog, mist or slippery conditions.

For more tips on driving in bad weather, head to saferpplaters.com.au.

In addition to the Safer P-Platers campaign, the TAC will bring its youth safe driving message to the Victorian slopes this winter, with its Vanessa Bute ute having a weekend presence at Mt Buller during peak season.

With games, prizes and other safe and healthy activities, the Vanessa program offers young people a haven away from the main action, where they can chill out and get some rest.


Helping our children become good drivers is a key action in the Victorian Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022. Find out more at roadsafety.vic.gov.au.