VicRoads warns motorists to be alert during this Australia Day holiday weekend as temperatures soar above 40 degrees.
AutoTalk understands Melbourne-zoned Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews are being sent into Victoria’s easterly Gippsland region today as Friday forecasts predict over 40 degrees and high chance of thunderstorms and lightning.
Not only is VicRoads warning people to remain vigilant for bushfires and to avoid sparking blazes along their driving routes, they’re also reminding people not to leave children in vehicles which can get 30 degrees hotter than outside.
The likelihood of vehicle breakdowns is also increased by hot conditions, and the CFA has issued a “very high” fire danger rating for the majority of rural Victoria in the Wimmera, south-west, northern, north central and north-east districts, and a “high” rating across the rest of the state including west and south Gippsland, East Gippsland and the Mallee.
A state-wide fire ban is in place across Victoria from January 25.
“Check fire danger ratings before you travel, monitor weather updates, check incident warnings via the @vicemergency app and be prepared to leave early,” the CFA advises.
VicRoads is also telling drivers to be prepared and to prepare their vehicles.
“Checking your engine coolant level is vital, add coolant if required and carry extra water as a precaution,” the roads authority explains.
“If your vehicle does break down, where possible, stop or park the vehicle in the shade and avoid parking on long, dry grass. This could be a potential fire hazard because of a hot exhaust system,” VicRoads says.
“Check fire danger ratings for the areas you are travelling through. If you encounter smoke or flames, turn around and drive to safety.”
VicRoads also urges vehicle owners to ensure tyres are inflated to correct pressures, including spare tyres.
“Under or over inflated tyres in combination with extreme heat can result in dangerous blow-outs,” VicRoads says.
“It’s not unusual for hot weather to result in some bleeding of the road surface (the road surface becomes soft and sticky). Please drive to the conditions.”
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