NHVR advises drivers to exercise caution on the roads during the winter season

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NHVR advises drivers to exercise caution on the roads during the winter season, warning light vehicle motorists to take extra care on NSW highways after three deadly crashes involving trucks in the Snowy Region during 2023.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has issued this reminder following a troubling pattern of incidents last winter, urging all road users to prioritise road safety as traffic volumes rise on key routes.

Five Incidents, Three Fatalities: A Worrying Increase

According to NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati, between June and August of last year, there were five incidents involving heavy vehicles in the snowy area, with three resulting in fatalities. This worrying increase has prompted renewed calls for caution among drivers navigating these routes.

“The Hume, Monaro and Snowy Mountains Highways are key routes for heavy vehicles, and during the winter season traffic increases considerably as light vehicle drivers travel to snow resorts in New South Wales,” Mr Salvati said.

Why Winter Conditions Demand Extra Care

Braking distances change significantly once snow or wet weather sets in. The NHVR is reminding motorists that trucks require more distance than cars to stop safely, particularly when road surfaces turn slippery.

Heavy vehicles respond differently to changing conditions than smaller cars do. Drivers sharing the road with trucks should factor in:

• Longer stopping distances required by heavy vehicles on wet or snowy surfaces
• Reduced traction for both trucks and light vehicles during winter travel
• Increased traffic volume on highways leading to snow resorts
• Sudden changes in road conditions common throughout the Snowy Region

Bus operators, freight companies and everyday commuters alike share these routes throughout the season, making mutual awareness essential for everyone's safety.

Guidance For Drivers Sharing The Road With Trucks

NHVR has warned heavy vehicle drivers and light vehicle motorists to remain patient and alert while sharing narrow mountain routes. Simple habits can reduce risk considerably:

• Allow extra space when following or overtaking heavy vehicles
• Reduce speed proactively rather than reacting once conditions deteriorate
• Plan journeys with rest stops factored into travel time
• Check current road conditions before setting out toward snow regions

These same principles apply beyond winter travel. The NHVR releases tips every Christmas season and during other peak travel periods, reinforcing consistent messaging around safety for drivers throughout the year.

A Broader Commitment to Road Safety

This latest advisory follows a pattern of seasonal reminders from the regulator. The NHVR has previously urged caution during Rural Road Safety Month and encouraged truckies to plan journeys carefully over the Easter period, reflecting an ongoing effort to reduce fatalities across Australia's road network.

Organisations managing fleets or driver training programs can strengthen their internal procedures using resources such as a comprehensive Drivers Manual, which outlines safe operating practices for varying conditions, including winter travel on regional highways.

Ultimately, NHVR revealed that shared responsibility between heavy vehicle operators and light vehicle drivers remains central to reducing incidents in high-risk winter zones. Motorists planning trips through the Snowy Region should try to stay informed, drive defensively, and respect the space heavy vehicles need on the road.

Read more here.

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