Press Release

With widespread frost and fog being forecast over the next two mornings, the RACT says drivers should ensure they park under cover - even if it's just a tree - during the night to protect car batteries and prevent a build up of ice on wind screens.

RACT Roadside patrols experience a spike in calls for help whenever fog and frost conditions occur.

Darren Moody, RACT General Manager of Roadside and Technical Services, says drivers also need to adjust their driving behaviour to cope with the conditions expected over the next couple of days. He says drivers should:

• Slow down and be aware of black ice in shaded areas.
• Brake, turn and accelerate as gently as possible.
• Take special precautions approaching intersections, curves, and on steep grades.
• Leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle ahead to avoid a rear-end collision.
• Drive with headlights on, but on low beam in foggy conditions.
• Allow extra time to complete your journey.
• If ice has accumulated on your windscreen during the night, do not use hot water to clear it. You may crack the windscreen.
• Frosty conditions are hard on batteries, especially old batteries. If parking in the open overnight, it's a good idea to throw an old blanket over the car's bonnet.

Under good conditions, a driver should leave a two second gap between their car and the vehicle travelling ahead of them. During foggy and icy weather, this interval between vehicles should be at least doubled.

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services
0419 893 900

ENDS 7 July 2010