BOTH the local police and Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) are urging motorists to practice patience and drive to the conditions after a shocking 48 hours on Mt Buller Road.

More than 15 centimetres of snow fell throughout Monday afternoon last week, creating slippery conditions that required all vehicles to fit chains.

With snow on the roads and snow clearing actively taking place, the weather came in quickly resulting in an unprecedented number of incidences and poor driving choices over a relatively short timeframe.

According to the ARV a number of accidents were reported on the day, with some vehicles losing grip in the icy conditions.

Mt Buller’s general manager, Alan Arthur, reminded guests to be patient and to drive slowly when there was snow on the road.

“We want everyone to get home safely, so patience is vital,” he said.

Snr Sgt Steve Carden from the Mansfield police confirmed there had been four incidents or collisions over the period.

“The first incident was a vehicle that went over the edge,” Snr Sgt Carden said.

“By the time emergency services were aware, the vehicle’s occupants had walked up to the road, organised with their insurance company that they needed a tow, and left the scene.

“It’s impossible to know how long the vehicle had actually been there as no-one had called it in, with the incident currently under investigation.”

A further two incidents involved buses, with one forced partly off-road to make room for oncoming traffic on a hairpin bend.

“Unfortunately the vehicle travelling in the opposite direction failed to give the bus the necessary room, forcing the bus into the ditch,” the Senior Sargeant said.

“Numerous accidents on the mountain are a result of vehicles crossing the centre line.

“We are requesting motorists be aware and allow vehicles room to negotiate the terrain and conditions and ensure they stay in their own lane.

“So whether this was a lapse in concentration which was exacerbated by the weather on the day, the end result was a bus requiring assistance.”

The next incident again involved a bus, with the vehicle losing traction in one of the car parks.

“The icy conditions caused the bus to slide, which it did at slow speed,” said Snr Sgt Carden.

“The front of the bus actually drifted hitting several cars which thankfully were not significantly damaged.”

It was late in the afternoon when a ute also went over the edge on a hairpin bend.

“The vehicle went off-road, through the bush and nose-dived into the road below,” the Senior Sargeant said.

The driver was conveyed to the Mansfield police station for a breath test to determine whether alcohol was a mitigating factor.

“Once again, this incident was completely avoidable,” said Snr Sgt Carden.

Even when police were coming down off the mountain they witnessed behaviour that “defied commonsense”.

“A few cars ahead, a motorist decided to do a three point turn on a hairpin bend, holding up traffic in the process,” he said.

“The driver was incredibly fortunate that he managed to make the turn and didn’t cause a serious collision.”

Snr Sgt Carden confirmed that police are still investigating a serious crash that took place on Mt Buller Road near Mirimbah on July 2, that saw nine people hospitalised, one critical.

“Witnesses reported that prior to the collision one of the vehicles was completely on the wrong side of the road for no reason.

“It really reinforces the need to concentrate and be aware of your surrounds, especially when driving in unfamiliar terrain,” he said.

The Senior Sargeant noted that in previous years speed had been a significant issue with many vehicles impounded on the alpine approach.

After a concerted campaign by local law enforcement, speeding has become less of an issue on Mt Buller Road.

“However, in the last week alone highway patrol have impounded three vehicles, either for excessive speed or drink driving,” Snr Sgt Carden said.

Snr Sgt Carden confirmed there was still a small number of visitors who were trying to access alpine resorts without wheel chains, which are a legal requirement for most vehicles.

During the school holidays, Mansfield Police joined gate staff at Mirimbah to conduct a blitz with around 20 vehicles turned away that did not have the requisite equipment.

“It can be fine in the morning and then you get a change in the weather – like we witnessed on the Monday – and that’s when you need chains,” the senior sargeant said.

Mt Buller’s general manager, Alan Arthur advised motorists they should not exceed 20 or 30 kilometres per hour when wheel chains are fitted.

“We’re reminding everyone to slow down, take care and to drive to the conditions,” Mr Arthur stressed.

Mr Arthur said ARV staff would direct guests to fit chains when they were required and visitors were asked to follow the directions for their own safety.

“When leaving the resort, drivers should remove their wheel chains once there is no longer snow or ice on the road,” he said.

“Drivers should find a safe location to pull completely off the road.

“Never stop in the middle of the road as this can cause more accidents.”