Winter has come . And as countless grey nomads and other vanners head north in search of warmer weather , the RACV has called on all motorists to practice some basic safe-driving techniques .

During the year ending April 2023 , Australia ’ s road toll stood at 1204 , an increase of 4.3 per cent year on year . The rate of annual road deaths per 100,000 people stands at 4.6 per cent , a 2.5 per cent increase on the 12-month period ending April 2022 .

As of June 8 , 140 people had lost their lives on Victoria ’ s roads , up 35.9 per cent on the previous year . This is the highest number at this stage of the year since 2018 .

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“ Even one life lost on our roads is too many – it ’ s why we need to take our responsibility to drive safely seriously ,” RACV ’ s general manager for automotive services Jackie Pedersen said .

The RACV is calling on all drivers to observe the following six tips this winter :

1 . Slow down . Travel just a little slower , even on roads you know well .

2 . Keep an eye on the weather . Be aware of changed conditions and heed any weather warnings , particularly when travelling in areas where extreme weather is more common .