Safe driving in the snow

Driving in the snow can be challenging, especially if you are not used to the icy conditions. The following tips will help prepare you and your car for the trip.

Before you go

• Get a national park pass
  If you have a national park pass, you will be able to use the National Park pass holder lane on Kosciuszkio Road at Sawpit Creek and Alpine Way Visitor Entry Stations. So get a pass before leaving home and look for the signs advising which lane to use for pass holder entry.
  
  Details on buying a pass are available from the National Parks and Wildlife website via the following link:
  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/kosciuszko_winter_surcharge
• Check access
  Kosciuszko Road between Perisher Blue and Charlotte Pass is routinely closed for the duration of the snow season to all vehicles except residents because of highly unpredictable weather conditions in this area. There is no overnight parking beyond Sawpit Creek.

• Have your vehicle checked
  Snowfield conditions may highlight any existing minor faults, particularly in the electrical system so it is essential to thoroughly check your vehicle before leaving home.  Have your tyres, battery, brakes, cooling system, engine and windscreen inspected.

• Add anti-freeze
  Add anti-freeze to your engine radiator. You'll need to match the amount of anti-freeze to the capacity of the coolant system. If this isn’t done and the coolant freezes, the engine block and radiator may crack, leaving you stranded with an expensive repair bill. Most modern cars use coolant with wide temperature capabilities, but you'll need to check with your service provider if special coolant is needed.

• Prepare for emergencies
  In case of an emergency carry a torch, blanket, tow rope, spade, wheel chocks and first aid kit.

On the road

• Watch your speed
  Adjust your speed to the weather. Slow down when conditions deteriorate and proceed with caution, particularly in fog, snow or ice conditions.

• Operation Snowsafe
  The Police and RTA are working together to conduct Operation Snowsafe. This operation targets speeding, drink driving and seatbelt offences committed by people travelling to and from the snow.

• Use fog lights or head lights
  When the weather gets bad turn on your vehicle's fog or head lights. Other drivers will find your vehicle easier to see.

• Take care overtaking
  Never overtake on a hill, at a bend or at intersections.

• Don't tailgate
  Braking distances in snow and ice are increased compared to dry conditions. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

• Brake and accelerate gently
  Braking should be gentle and early.  When you accelerate, make sure you do it slowly.

• Obey traffic signs
  Signs are there for your safety and convenience. Always obey the speed limit and advisory signs, and take special notice of wildlife warning signs.  Many road accidents which occur in the alpine areas involve native animals crossing roads, particularly at night.

• Snow poles and road edges
  Don’t drive if you can’t see the edge of the road or the next snow pole.  These are painted orange and are tall enough for drivers to get their bearings in heavy snow.

Snow chains

• Snow chains are recommended by the RTA for all vehicles, when driving in poor snow conditions to assist drivers and reduce accidents.

• When driving in the Alpine Region, the RTA has identified possible snow and ice risk sections with yellow lane line marking and signposting.  Snow and ice risk sections have been identified on the approaches to and within the National Park, and the RTA recommends that all vehicles carry chains in these areas.

• National Park regulations state that all vehicles (except 4WD vehicle) entering the National Park must carry chains when driving through designated 'snow and ice' risk sections. Snow and ice risk sections are identified by black and yellow signs within the Kosciuszko National Park. The current designated 'snow and ice' risk sections are:
• • Alpine Way – Thredbo to Tom Grogin
  • Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary
  • Guthega Road within the National Park boundary
• When directed by signs or an authorised officer, fit the chains to the vehicles driving wheels (back wheels on rear wheel drive cars and front wheels on front wheel drive cars). Generally, this will be at special chain fitting bays along the route.
• While four wheel drive vehicles may not be required to fit chains, it is still wise to carry them and will certainly assist if you lack experience driving on ice and snow. You may also need them in the event of extreme weather conditions.
• Make sure the chains you buy or hire are suitable for the wheel diameter and tyre size of your vehicle. If possible, have a practice fitting in your garage before the journey so that you understand how to fit the chains and won't be placed in a difficult situation in bad weather conditions.
• Tyre pressure should be 25 kPa or higher when using chains. Tyre manufactures recommend that cars with radial tyres shouldn't travel faster than 40 km/h when fitted with chains. Stop and check the tension of the chains after driving about 200 metres.
• Remove the chains immediately when you are told it's safe to do so.
• Random chain inspections will take place throughout the ski season and fines exceeding $300 will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with National Park regulations on the use of snow chains.
• Chain bays are located on Kosciuszkio Road at:

• Sawpit Creek
• Wilsons Valley
• Dainers
• Prussian Creek

• Chain bays are located on the Alpine Way at:

• Penderlea
• Thredbo Diggings
• Ranger Station

When you're there

• Parking
  It is important to park only in designated parking areas and follow the directions of parking attendants. It may mean a slightly longer walk but it’s better than finding your car damaged at the end of the day by snow clearing vehicles.

• Don't apply the handbrake
  Moisture can freeze cables and brake linings. Instead, chock the wheels, but don’t use rocks as they may damage snow clearing machines.

• Leave the car in gear
  Leave the car in gear with the front wheels turned away from the slope. Remove wheel chocks from parking area when leaving.

• Apply your chains
  Even if chains were not required to enter the area, it may be advisable to fit them when parking. It is easier to do this early in the day rather than later when weather conditions may have changed.

• Clear ice from windows and mirrors
  Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields. Use the vehicle's heater and fan in conjunction with the air conditioner.

• Protect your windscreen wipers
  If you're parking for an extended period, lift wipers off your windscreen or place them in a plastic bag so they won't stick to the glass.

• Warm your engine
  Warm the engine for a few minutes before driving off.