Murray River police are urging residents to remain vigilant on the roads this winter, especially as foggy conditions become more regular.
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Mick Fuller said if drivers couldn’t avoid driving in foggy conditions, they should make use of their fog and hazard lights.
“The best advice is, if it’s too foggy and it’s hard to see, try to delay your travel until the road conditions are better,” he said.
“When there is fog, if your vehicle is fitted with fog lights, you can use them when conditions make it hard to see.
“You can also use hazard lights, but only when your vehicle is stopped in a dangerous location or when you are driving in hazardous conditions.
“You should always slow down and drive to the conditions.”
In 2023, Transport for NSW recorded a total of 89 crashes caused by fog or mist, a clear rise from the 2022 total of 65.
Of the 89 crashes in 2023, 67 of them happened on country roads, with five resulting in fatalities and 36 causing serious injuries.
Insp Fuller added that it’s important to make sure vehicles are in good shape, not just in winter but all year around.
To be seen by other road users, in foggy condition or otherwise, drivers need to ensure that their headlights, tail lights and number plates are clearly visible.
While ensuring tyres have sufficient tread and brakes are in good shape is key, drivers should still aim to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and practice braking gently to avoid skidding and losing control.
Weather conditions aren’t the only risk factors to look out for, with animals never far from the roads in the country.
Transport for NSW reports show that one in every 41 crashes, resulting in injury or death on country roads, involves a vehicle hitting an animal.
Insp Fuller said while signage was present throughout the Murray River Police District, drivers should remain alert.
“Travelling stock are grazing in some parts of the Murray River Police District,” he said.
“We have signage and drovers keeping an eye on their cows, which is something to keep in mind as you drive around the district.
“There is signage too (around) areas with kangaroos... it’s a fact of life in the bush that kangaroos move about and often cross the roads with little warning, resulting in crashes and injuries to the animals.”
For more information on how to drive safely around animals, visit https://tinyurl.com/ye9a9rvy