Motorists keen on snow-filled trips across parts of the ACT this winter are being urged to heed safety warnings on rural roads after popular sites recorded long queues and traffic jams last year.
One person was taken to hospital after their car ran off the road near Mount Franklin at Namadgi National Park while many other cars were ill-equipped to handle the snowy and icy conditions, leading them to become bogged.
The ACT government's City Services state that under snowing conditions, the following roads were most commonly affected:
- Brindabella Road (Namadgi National Park boundary to NSW border);
- Corin Road (Woods Reserve to Corin Dam);
- Boboyan Road (Glendale Crossing to NSW Border); and
- Mt Franklin Road (Bulls Head to Mt Ginini - often closed for winter due to snow)
An ACT government spokesperson said motorists should take breaks when driving long distances and are asked to slow down on rural roads across the ACT, drive to weather conditions and take special care on unsealed roads.
"There has been significant snowfall in recent years that combined with an increase in population and 4WDs on the road has contributed to an increase in traffic volumes during a snow event," the spokesperson said.
"Before travelling to the snow, please check the City Services website for road closures and information on other impacts such as roads that have been declared as open to 4WD vehicles only.
"Corin Forest Mountain Resort operates a booking system for snow play and the community will need to book if they intend on travelling to the resort.
"Namadgi National Park is part of the Australian alpine area and the community needs to be aware that conditions can deteriorate very quickly.
"If conditions are deemed too poor for driving, the Namadgi National Park entry gate will be closed."
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The spokesperson said that fatigue and speed are common issues among drivers and that vehicles should be well maintained prior to driving to rural roads.
"Vehicles should have snow chains on board, a full tank of fuel and drivers should drive to the conditions," they said.
"People are also encouraged to bring plenty of food and water, warm clothing including gloves and headwear and snow-appropriate footwear.
"It is also important to advise family or friends of where you are going and when you expect to return as mobile phone reception is extremely poor in these areas."
As part of further safety initiatives, design work on crash preventive treatments for some sections of Brindabella Road in the ACT is underway.
There are no upgrades currently planned for Corin Road and Mt Franklin Road but the government said these roads "are continually monitored, particularly during winter when they are in high use, and any rectification works required to ensure safety are actioned as a priority".
Brindabella resident Robbie Swan said it was "rare to not see evidence of a serious accident" on Brindabella Road.
"When it snows up there, hundreds of cars try to plough through it and many slide off the sides while they make snowmen," Mr Swan said.
"ACT roads mostly just grade the road, which lasts two weeks before it starts to furrow out again.
"But they claim that's an upgrade. The government plonks 20,000 or so new homes in Coombs and Denman Prospect only a stones throw from this mountain retreat and winter wonderland and makes no account of the fact that, of course, they will start to use it on weekends and holidays ."
An ACT Policing spokesman said they regularly respond to incidents "where ill-prepared and inexperienced drivers get into trouble when seeking to experience snow in the mountains to our west".
"Drivers are reminded that these are relatively remote areas with extended response times for police and other emergency services," he said.
"Often mobile phone coverage is poor or non-existent - further increasing the time to respond when something goes wrong."
People wanting to visit the mountains during or following snowfalls should consider the following:
- Always check for road closures before setting off on your trip.
- Where possible, make the trip in a 4WD vehicle as they are inherently safer on wet and muddy roads. If you have never driven in these conditions, ask a more experienced friend or family member to drive on the trip.
- Turn on your headlights to increase visibility in foggy conditions. Ensure your windscreen wipers are working effectively and your vehicle is mechanically sound.
- If conditions are hazardous, always reduce your speed accordingly. Increase your braking distance by leaving ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Apply your brakes in a steady and controlled manner. Braking hard and suddenly on wet dirt roads can cause you to lose control. Do not accelerate quickly after stopping; apply gentle pressure to your accelerator to avoid skidding
- Surface moisture or dew can freeze and become 'black ice'. Take particular care when travelling on roads in these conditions.
- If heavy sleet or snow make driving too difficult, pull over safely to the side of the road and wait until conditions improve.
- Always consider where you stop your vehicle. Pick a safe spot off the road but not in a location where you may get bogged or stuck. Ask a passenger to check parking areas before driving in. This is even more important for non-4WD vehicles.
- Always take appropriate clothing (including waterproof footwear) and supplies should your journey be longer than expected.
- Be patient and avoid travelling in these areas at night time.
