Many Australian drivers think that the speed limit is a minimum, not a maximum, and taking things more carefully in winter is a concept totally foreign to their approach on the roads.

However, car owners across the Central Tablelands and Central West 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 highways and byways.

Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) winter weather safety campaign is running now until the end of August, and aims to reduce crashes in the colder months due to ice and snow conditions.

A TfNSW spokesperson said the campaign will utilise variable message signs (VMS), social media, and 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,” they added.

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.

“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.”

Top tips for safer winter driving:

  • Reduce your speed
  • Drive to the conditions
  • Be aware of the likelihood of black ice
  • Turn on your headlights, even during the day
  • Allow extra space
  • Follow warning signs
  • Accelerate smoothly and brake gently