Winter and holiday safety

Winter brings shorter days, cold temperatures, and challenging travel conditions.

Whether you’re driving to the snow, staying home, or travelling to find the sun, plan ahead and keep yourself safe.

Snow and winter driving safety

Winter driving conditions, especially in alpine and regional areas, can be unpredictable. Ice, fog, and reduced visibility increases risk.

To prepare for snow and winter road conditions, ensure that you:

• check the road and weather conditions before you leave
• slow down and increase your following distance to the car in front, and drive to the conditions
• carry snow chains when driving to the snow mountains, and know how to fit them when needed
• ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, with good tyres and clearly visible working lights
• always look out for pedestrians, especially in 40km/h areas, or when it is dark.

Learn more about safe winter and alpine driving requirements, and further road safety advice for all road users.

Winter home and property protection

Before you go away to seek the sun or hit the slopes, protect your home from potential theft.

To keep your home and property safe while you’re away:

• let a trusted neighbour know that you are going away on a holiday, ask them to keep an eye on your house, bring in your mail and your bins
• set timers to turn on the lights, radio, and/or TV at appropriate times
• consider installing a CCTV camera
• store your car in a garage where possible
• register your absence from your residence.

Explore more ways to keep your home safe, prevent burglaries, and prevent theft from your car.

Pedestrian safety during winter

Darker mornings and evenings bring reduced visibility. To keep safe while walking around the city, jogging, or riding your bike:

• stick to well-lit, populated areas
• stay alert and avoid distractions like mobile phones
• make eye contact with drivers other road users before crossing the road
• be aware of your surroundings and keep your head up
• adhere to the road rules for pedestrians and cyclists.

Read more tips about pedestrian and road safety, and the ways to stay safe in public.

Winter public transport safety

When using public transport during winter and low light conditions:

• stay alert to passing traffic, vehicles and other travellers
• if you see protective services officers (PSOs) patrolling nearby when waiting for public transport, you can wait near them
• be aware of where you can find protective services officers (PSOs) on public transport
• text STOPIT to 0499 455 455 to report bad behaviour on public transport, always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Read further information about staying safe on public transport and when out and about in public.

Online safety and holiday scams

When booking winter activities and accommodation, be aware of potential scam opportunities. Scammers can also take advantage of the EOFY sale time.

While making online bookings and purchases:

• only make flight and rental bookings from reputable sites
• only purchase items from reputable sites, and be wary of offers that sound too good to be true
• when buying and selling items in person from an online marketplace sale, meet at a Victoria Police Safer Exchange Site
• don’t click links in unexpected messages or emails.

Learn how to protect yourself from cybercrime, fraud, scams.