The Transport Accident Commission is urging country drivers to take extra care on the roads coming into winter after a horror run of fatalities on regional Victorian roads.
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While the overall state road toll is down 15.4 per cent compared to this time last year, from 117 to 99, regional fatalities far outweigh those in metropolitan areas, with 62 people losing their lives on regional Victorian roads in 2017.
TAC road safety director Samantha Cockfield said it was particularly important for country drivers to adapt their driving in the winter months due to the dramatic changes to conditions, with speed continuing to be a primary concern for the road safety body.
“Slowing down, staying alert and driving to the conditions becomes even more important when weather and road conditions are poor,” Ms Cockfield said.
“Black ice, fog, mist, rain, wind and land slips are all potential hazards during winter months, even when driving cautiously on the best country Victorian roads.”
The timely warning comes after a week where emergency services responded to a spate of road accidents throughout the Ballarat region.
On Tuesday a person was rushed to the Ballarat Base Hospital following a three-car pile-up on Hertford Street in Sebastopol, forcing emergency services to block off a section of the road just after 11am.
Services were also called to an accident on the Midland Highway near Newlyn on Friday morning following a two-vehicle crash.
The station wagon and a minivan were both heading south towards Newlyn when the wagon went to turn right into a private residence. Police said the minivan attempted to overtake the vehicle, causing the crash.
The winter conditions were also at play in another crash between a hatchback and a ute in Sebastopol at 5.10pm on Saturday evening at the intersection of Yarrowee and Bala streets.
A vehicle failed to give way at the intersection, causing the ute to roll onto its side. A female was taken to hospital with an arm injury from the crash, with police still investigating the incident.
Ms Cockfield said as well as driving cautiously, drivers needed to check the condition of their vehicle and consider the safest route to their destination.
“Instead of taking the back roads to save five minutes, sticking to the main roads and highways can help ensure you get to your destination safely,” Ms Cockfield said.
“Make sure your tyres and brakes are in good condition, ensure all lights are working and use headlights in low visibility,” she said.