Cowra Neighbourhood Watch News

With school holidays coming up, many of us will be travelling around our area and further afield and road safety becomes a major concern. With this year’s road toll well above last years, it is more important than ever that motorists take extra care when driving.

Being well rested before setting out on a trip will assist in drivers remaining focused on the road and their surroundings. Ensuring that passengers are aware of the danger of distracting the driver improves driving safety.

Making sure that children have activities to occupy themselves is a great habit to develop.

It is vitally important to be aware of road conditions when driving. There are many apps that give drivers information about roadworks and other hazards on their chosen route. One major hazard to look out for when driving at this time of year is black ice.

Black ice is a type of ice that forms on paved surfaces that is so thin that it cannot be seen by a driver. It’s clear, not black, and can make a road surface, driveway or footpath extremely slippery and treacherous.

Unlike wet roads, which offer some grip, black ice has an almost frictionless surface, causing tires to lose traction quickly. Encountering black ice can lead to a sudden loss of control, even at low speeds, increasing the risk of accidents, spinouts, and rolloversBlack ice is most common during the early morning hours and at night, especially when temperatures are at their lowest and before the sun warms the road surface. This is because temperatures typically drop during these times, increasing the likelihood of moisture on the road freezing.

Black ice is found in our local area in places including Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst, Cabonne and Orange in NSW, which experience chilly temperatures, especially in the winter months. Areas of roads which are in shade in the early parts of the day are prone to black ice.

If you hit a patch of black ice, don’t panic. Keep the steering wheel straight and maintain your speed – don’t hit the brakes. Gently ease off the accelerator without sudden movements and use the gears to slow down if necessary.

Whether you are heading north to warmer climes or towards the snow, drive safely and enjoy your travels.

• Topics:
• Holidays
• Road Safety