SAFE DRVING 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

Have your vehicle checked
Snowfield conditions are extreme it is essential to thoroughly check your vehicle before leaving home. You’ll need to have anti-freeze added to your engine radiator have your tyres, battery, brakes, cooling system, engine and windscreen inspected by your local Toyota dealer before travelling  http://www.toyota.com.au/dealer.

Allow enough time for your trip
Ensure you allow enough time for the trip. Weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, with a corresponding effect on the roads and travel speed.

Avoid travel fatigue
Most people have to travel a considerable distance to get to the snow fields. Ensure you have regular breaks to ‘stop, revive and survive’.

Prepare for emergencies
In case of an emergency carry a torch, emergency blanket, tow rope, spade, wheel chocks and first aid kit   Optional - Pack of cards, box of Tissues & favourite driving music.

ON THE ROAD

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.

Whilst on the road -
• Watch your speed - Adjust your speed to the weather.

• Daytime running lights   - You should drive with your headlights on low beam even during daytime to improve your visibility to other road users. Make sure you turn on your vehicle's fog or head lights when the weather turns bad.

• 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. 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.

• Snow poles and road edges  - These are painted orange and are tall enough for drivers to get their bearings in heavy snow.

• Black ice  - Take particular care when driving at night or at dawn or dusk as surface moisture and dew freeze and may become black ice, which is very difficult to detect on the road. Indeed, black ice can remain in shaded or low-lying areas even during fine days.

• 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 YOU’RE THERE

• Parking -  Park only in designated parking areas and follow the directions of parking attendants.

• 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.

• Clear ice from windows and mirrors - Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields. Carry an ice-scraper to clear the bulk of the snow, ice and frost, and 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

For further information on Safe driving in the snow visit RTA website
www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/snowdriving.html