General News
1 November, 2022
Police warn to slow down
POLICE have reminded drivers to remain vigilant when driving in wet conditions following a vehicle aquaplaning on Friday.
POLICE have reminded drivers to remain vigilant when driving in wet conditions following a vehicle aquaplaning on Friday.
Cobden sergeant Craig Jenkins said water presents issues for motorists and can be particularly hazardous.
“While the weather is how it is, we need to be vigilant and alert to the changing weather and road conditions and drive in a safe and prudent manner and ensuring we are continually adapting our speed and driver behaviour so as to successfully manage the challenges presented to us,” he said.
“Road closures are put in place for a reason, so please adhere to all warning and hazard signs that have been put in place by the authorities and agencies.
“They are there for your safety.”
Sgt Jenkins said even if a road was not closed, it may be inundated with water before agencies can respond.
“Driving through any water over a road can cause your vehicle to aquaplane or float,”he said.
“When a vehicle is aquaplaning it doesn’t respond the way it normally does. If it is floating, you have no control, you’ll go where the water takes you.
“Water on a road will affect your ability to brake, steer and control your vehicle. You have no visibility as to what the road surface is like under the water either.
“We all need to drive to the conditions and adapt to the challenges the weather and roads are presenting to us at the moment.”
Sgt Jenkins said with more wet weather predicted, motorists need to “slow down and drive in a manner so that we all get to where we want to be safely”.
Cobden Victorian State Emergency Services (VICSES) unit controller Matt Robertson said motorists need to remember it only takes 15 centimeters of water to float a vehicle.
“With the weather conditions at the moment we have to drive at a speed which is safe in the ever-changing conditions,” he said.
“The ground is water logged and trees are just hanging in there.
“We’ve had a number of trees come down over roads and with the wind and wild weather we’re having we all need to drive carefully as we don’t know what is around the corner or further up the road.
“There is debris and water on all the roads at the moment, so please be careful and alert so that you have time to react to what is happening on the road around you.”