Victoria’s peak motoring body is hoping increased awareness may prevent some winter crashes as more cold fronts cross south-eastern Australia.
Black ice caused an eight car pile up on the Western Freeway near Gordon, West of Melbourne, late in June after several drivers lost control.
One person was hospitalised and at least eight cars were damaged in the collision shortly after dawn and black ice warning lights had been activated.
The RACV has issued advice saying driving to suit wet and frosty road conditions is crucial to lowering the winter road toll.
The Victorian Road Toll is also uo 12 per cent on last year with 159 people deaths on Victorian roads in 2025 so far.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams said wet and slippery conditions dramatically increase the risk of crashes.
“During winter, roads are often slick from rain, frost or black ice, and that means you need to allow for longer stopping distances,” Mr Williams said.
“Tailgating – following too closely behind another vehicle – is especially dangerous in these conditions, and we urge all drivers to leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the one in front.”
Victorian Government data shows that 60 per cent of wet weather fatalities in 2024 had occurred at night and across regional Melbourne – further highlighting the dangers drivers face and the need for caution at this time of year.
Black ice caused by residual water freezing on roads, often on clear nights when the temperature approaches zero is hard to see in advance and may cause vehicles at speed to completely lose traction. IT can frequently occur in non alipine areas and in shaded stretches of road can persist into the daytime.
“Black ice is a dangerous proposition for motorists because it’s difficult to detect and can lead to a loss of control over your vehicle,” Williams says.
RACV recommends that when in cold conditions, to keep an eye out for a ‘glossy surface’ on the road, which can be black ice.
For motorists who encounter black ice on the road, RACV recommends:
Gently lower your speed as a sudden and forceful hit on the brakes cause the vehicle to skid and try to keep the steering wheel straight (if possible).
If the rear of the car slides to the right or left, gently adjust your steering wheel to the direction of the slide. This helps realign the front wheels with the direction of travel.
Williams also reminded motorists to check their vehicle’s condition ahead of the winter months to reduce the risk of breakdowns and improve safety on the road.
“Basic maintenance goes a long way. Check your tyres have sufficient tread, make sure your lights and windscreen wipers are working, and top up your coolant and washer fluid,” Mr Williams said.
“It’s also worth checking your battery, which can struggle in colder temperatures.”
RACV’s top winter driving safety tips include:
- Increase following distance in wet or icy conditions to allow more time to stop.
- Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Never drive through floodwaters – it’s not worth the risk.
- Prepare your car for winter by checking tyres, lights, wipers, and fluids.
- Slow down and drive to the conditions, particularly in fog or low visibility.
- If entering a Victorian alpine resort in winter, you must carry snow chains, not only for your safety, but you can face substantial fines if you do not comply.
“Most importantly, plan ahead, check the weather and traffic reports before heading off, and be patient on the roads,”
For more information on winter driving safety, visit the RACV website.