Tributes are flowing for a Swan Hill couple who were killed when the car they were travelling in struck a tree in Daylesford when they hit “black ice”. 

The Age reports  Michael and Jo Glare were killed after their Holden Commodore left the Midland Highway and narrowly avoided an oncoming car before hitting a tree just before 8am.

Ms Glare, 39, who was driving, and her husband, 41, died instantly.

Their 18-year-old daughter was taken to Ballarat Base Hospital to be treated for cuts to her face.

Earlier police said they  will investigate if an 100 kilometre speed limit is safe on the Daylesford stretch of the Midland Highway after the fatality.

Police said “treacherous conditions” had led to dozens of motorists sliding off major roads in Victoria on Saturday morning. The worst accident was near the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road and Midland Highway intersection.

Bacchus Marsh police Sergeant Robert Pama said black ice was the only known cause of the accident.

“The conditions (on Saturday morning) were fairly treacherous. They were below zero and at this stage we believe black ice in the area, significant contributing factor to this accident,” Sergeant Pama said.

“(The car) skidded off the road and unfortunately hit a tree at severe speed. Black ice significant factor.”

Sergeant Pama said police had noticed too many cars not driving to the conditions in the area. 

“It astounded me this morning to see people overtaking police cars with their blue lights flashing. We were going to 40-50 km/h an hour and we were still slipping on our roads,” Sergeant Pama said.

“When you are driving in these conditions you have to be aware of it. Black ice, it is not easily observed, it it will take a car that weighs a tonne and half off the road easily.” 

The Victorian Speedway Council posted a Facebook tribute expressing sorrow felt by the "speedway family" at news of the couple's passing.

"The VSC would like to send condolences to the Glare family upon hearing the tragic news in regards to the passing of Michael & Jo Glare from the Swan Hill Speedway Club," it said.

"All our thoughts condolences & prayers go out to the kids & we will all miss Michael & Jo."

Nephew Rhys Smith posted: "You were more than just my uncle, you were my bro. I love you uncle Michael TheBomb Glare and aunty Jo Glare."

Others expressed shock at the sudden death of a couple who had devoted their lives to their children, families and others.

With The Age 

EARLIER

TWO people are dead after the car they were travelling in left the road and struck a tree in Daylesford this morning, police say. 

Bacchus Marsh police Sergeant Robert Pama said “black ice” was the main cause of the double fatality that left a third person with minor injuries.

Sergeant Pama said a gold Commodore was travelling on the Midland Highway towards Daylesford just before 8am when it hit black ice, narrowly avoided an oncoming car, left the road and struck a tree.

The female driver in her 40s and male passenger, also in his 40s, died instantly. A female teenage passenger was transported to Ballarat Base Hospital to be treated for lacerations to her face.

Sergeant Pama said “treacherous conditions” had resulted in a number of cars skidding off the Western Highway. Police were called to a car rollover in Elaine and numerous accidents in Ballan.

Sergeant Pama said police would investigate whether the 100 kilometre speed limit and ice warnings were adequate in the area given the crash and prevalence of black ice. 

“(If you come across black ice) slow down, pull over and stop,”Sergeant Pama said.

“The (weather) is unpredictable and can have tragic consequences.”

The intersection of the Daylesford- Malmsbury Road and Midland Highway remains blocked as police continue to investigate the accident. 

Investigations are continuing.