Tasmania Police wish to advise all motorists travelling in the Midlands and Central Highlands areas of forecast snowfalls over the next 24 hours descending to 400 metres. This will result in hazardous driving conditions, particularly in elevated areas. Tasmania Police recommend motorists avoid non-essential travel in snow affected areas and where required to drive in snow conditions that you have an appropriate vehicle and equipment (4WD drive and snow chains) to safely handle such conditions. Police remind motorists that driving into snow bound roads without being properly equipped can result in loss of control and in some cases crashes occur as a result. Driving into these areas unprepared places increased strain on emergency services when mishaps occur, Tasmania Police say.
Sergeant Rob Cooke from Oatlands police states ‘Whilst we recognise that travelling to country areas to view and play in the snow is attractive, members of the public must be responsible for their own and their families safety when travelling in these areas. Loss of control occurs regularly on ice and snow covered roads and you need to make sure you have the right type of vehicle and equipment to drive in these conditions. The Central Highlands in particular can be very unforgiving in these circumstances. Spare a thought for the emergency services personnel who have to risk their own safety to come and assist people who perhaps should not have put themselves in that position in the first place’.
Motorists are encouraged to check the Tasmania Police ‘Community Alerts’ website for updates on road conditions and any closures prior to making travel plans. Motorists are also advised to observe and obey any advisory signage in snow bound areas. Police remind motorists that where vehicles require recovering from snow bound areas it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner as Tasmania Police personnel will not perform vehicle recoveries.
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