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Zero Alcohol For Young Drivers Heading To The Snow


Zero Alcohol For Young Drivers Heading To The Snow

Author: NRMADate: 04 July 2008

Young motorists heading to the snow for their first road trip without their parents are being urged not to drive home early in the morning if they have been drinking the night before.

NRMA Director and champion rally car co-driver Coral Taylor said young snow revellers should delay their drive home to later in the day if they had been partying the night before.

"NRMA's Free2go program has almost 65,000 members and many will be making their first road trip to the snow without their parents this snow season," Ms Taylor said.

"It will be an awesome experience, but our concern is that attempts to make the most of the weekend then head home early on Sunday could result in young people unwittingly getting behind the wheel while still being over the limit.

"We want our Free2go members to have a ball but don't want the weekend ruined because someone lost their licence or worse.

"Getting caught with alcohol in your blood from the night before is a real risk so we want everyone to take care."
Free2go provides 12 months FREE roadside assistance for all drivers aged 17 and 18 regardless of which car they are traveling in. Information is available at www.befree2go.com.au.

Ms Taylor also warned against the dangers of driving in snow and ice-affected areas.

"I've been a rally car driver for 22 years and I still find driving on snow and ice to be risky - it requires my full attention," Ms Taylor said.

"The Australian climate does not give us many opportunities to drive in these conditions and for many of our Free2go members and young drivers this will be their first long drive without their parents in the car."

NRMA's tips for driving safely in the snow include:

  • Adjust your speed to suit the weather and road conditions.
  • Don't drive if you can’t see the orange snow poles and road edges.
  • Keep a watch for wildlife on the road, especially slow-moving wombats.
  • Carry snow chains in the car and practice putting them on.
  • Keep headlights on at all times so your car is visible - don’t forget to turn them off.
  • Allow greater distance between vehicles - it takes longer to brake in the snow.
  • Brake and accelerate gently to avoid skidding and slipping.
  • Use fog lights in snowy conditions if you have them
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