Central west drivers urged to take extra care this weekend

Drivers are being reminded to take extra care on the roads as snow is expected in areas around Orange, Lithgow, Oberon, Jenolan, the Blue Mountains and high areas around Bathurst until the early hours of Sunday.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the Bureau of Meteorology has advised wide spread snowfall is expected across the weekend with potential for road closures and/or fallen trees.

“Winter weather can make driving much more challenging as visibility can be poor in snow and fog, and the roads are more slippery when wet or icy.

“Locals also need to take extra care because even if you know a road well, the conditions may have changed.

“Motorists need to be aware black ice occurs when surface moisture and dew freeze on the road at dawn or dusk, creating a dangerously slippery surface. Black ice is hard to see when driving and can remain in shaded or low-lying areas even during fine days.”

“The cold snap will come overnight, with snow likely to fall on Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.

“Motorists in these areas are advised to delay travel unless necessary, check the road conditions before travelling, be extra cautious and drive to the conditions,” the spokesperson said.

“While some closures are necessary for the safety of motorists and workers during and after snowfall, Transport for NSW endeavours to maintain access along all major roads within affected areas.”

Permanent signs will be used to provide motorists with traffic information.

For the latest traffic updates visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.


Wet weather and icy conditions create safety challenges for all drivers on central west roads.

The week ahead will bring much more needed rain to the region but motorists need to be aware of the safety challenges on our roads said Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer, Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan

Drivers are advised to drive with their headlights on 24/7 to reduce crash risk during adverse driving conditions.


Orange Mayor Reg Kidd with Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty and Road safety officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan

ROAD SAFETY: Orange Mayor Reg Kidd with Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty and Road safety officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan

Research conducted by the NRMA and RACV based on European studies concluded:

 A 25% reduction of daytime fatal multi-vehicle crashes

 A 20 % reduction in daytime injury crashes

 A 28% reduction in daytime pedestrian fatalities.

Here 5 top tips for driving in the rain:

 Slow down and keep your distance. At 100kmh a car takes 98metres to stop in wet conditions the same vehicles will take a minimum 122 metres in wet weather. Increase your crash avoidance space to avoid rear end collisions.

 Give driving your full attention.

 Check your windscreen wipers and replace if faulty, they are vital for your vision through heavy downpours.

 Watch out for flash flooding and water over roads especially at night. Do not enter floodwaters it is very dangerous.

Orange City Council has placed visual message boards on the Mitchell Hwy to encourage motorists to driver with their headlights on. Be Seen. Be Safe. Drive with your headlights on 24/7.

/Public Release. View in full here.