Police are urging revellers and winter sport enthusiasts to plan ahead and stay ‘Snowsafe’ as this year’s ski season continues and thousands flock to the snowfields for the school holidays, NSW Police say.
The official snow season kicked off last month and will run until October, during which millions of holiday makers are expected to make their way to the snowfields to enjoy winter’s wonderland.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Gary Worboys, said the official launch of ‘Snowsafe’ sees additional police being deployed in the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable ski season for the whole community.
Snowsafe is a specialised policing strategy involving highly-trained Alpine Operators, General Duties police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police and other specialist commands throughout the season.
Assistant Commissioner Worboys urged the community to plan ahead when travelling to the snowfields and make safety their top priority when hitting the slopes this season.
"Each year we deploy additional officers in the region, which allows police to maintain a high-visibility presence across the snow resorts and surrounding alpine areas," Assistant Commissioner Worboys said.
"Police will be out and about throughout the season and are focused on road safety, alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour and personal safety.
"We’ll also have Licensing Police patrolling venues in and around the major resorts. I urge people to plan their night ahead of time, if you’re drinking make sure you have a ‘Plan B’," Assistant Commissioner Worboys said.
"Remember to act responsibly and know your limits, and keep an eye out for your mates so you can all enjoy and safe and fun experience on the snowfields this season."
Police are also urging hikers visiting the region to ensure their personal safety by submitting a Trip Intention Form and hiring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) before heading out into the national park.
"Hikers can access a PLB by way of a refundable deposit from one of the National Parks and Wildlife Service centres located at numerous locations including Jindabyne as well as Perisher and Thredbo resorts," Assistant Commissioner Worboys said.
"These simple safety measures can mean the difference between life and death if you become lost in the national park and need immediate assistance. Hikers should also check weather conditions in advance, wear appropriate clothing and take plenty of food and water."
Snowsafe will also see Traffic and Highway Patrol officers out in force patrolling highways and performing random drug and alcohol tests to ensure drivers are travelling to and from the snowfields safely.
Monaro Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Rod Smith, said holiday makers should plan their travel beforehand and stay alert by taking regular breaks during your drive.
"With the school holidays now underway, we’re urging those who may be visiting during the next two weeks to plan your trip and take advantage of rest stops throughout your journey," Supt Smith said.
"Road users need to remember to drive to the weather conditions and not take unnecessary risks.
"You should also fix snow chains to your tyres in slippery conditions within the designated bays, ensure everyone in your car is wearing their seat belts and don’t drink and drive," Det Supt Smith said.
Inspector Greg Lynch from Southern Region Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said there can be high volumes of traffic travelling in and around the resort areas so drivers should also exercise patience and appropriate caution during those periods.
"So far this year we’ve lost 207 people on NSW roads, which is more than 40 more fatalities than this time last year," Insp Lynch said.
"Snowfield conditions can be more difficult to navigate so we’d like to remind everyone to prioritise safety on your journey – pay close attention to the roads, don’t get distracted and slow down.
"Our officers will do all they can to keep you safe to and from the snowfields, but we urge you – whether you’re driving, riding, a passenger or a pedestrian – to help us achieve this."
Further information on driving in snowfield conditions can be found by visiting the Centre for Road Safety website: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/badweather/snowdriving.html
Hikers can contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for more information or visit: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AskEnvironmentLineApp/question.aspx?qaId=AEL-262
For general snow safety tips when visiting alpine regions, as well as useful links you can access: http://snowsafe.org.au/
