ACT Policing is reminding motorists to take care while defrosting their vehicles following recent reports of cars being stolen after they were left to defrost with keys in the ignition.
Officer in Charge of Community Safety, Detective Inspector Mark Rowswell said motorists needed to keep security in mind while defrosting their cars.
“While clearing the frost from your car is important, you should never leave a running vehicle unattended or unsecured,” Detective Inspector Rowswell said.
“Ice-scrapers are an inexpensive way to quickly and safety clear frost from your vehicle,” he said.
“You could also cover your windscreen with a blanket overnight or pour lukewarm (never boiling) water over the frozen parts of your vehicle.”
Detective Inspector Rowswell said driving without visibility was an offence and motorists must ensure their vehicle was frost-free before starting their journey.
“Every year when the cold weather causes a build-up of frost or fog, ACT Policing attend numerous collisions that have occurred as a result of drivers having poor visibility out of their vehicles,” he said.
“While it may add a few minutes to your morning commute, defrosting your car will ensure a safer journey for you and other motorists on Canberra’s roads this winter.”
He said drivers should also be aware of black ice which could form on clear and cold days following a day of rain as surplus moisture on roads froze over.
