Most car crashes happen for three reasons - and one of them is hiding in plain slight.
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Alliance Towing owner Derek Smith said black ice and speed was a dangerous combination for road users during the colder months.
Complacency on the part of drivers is another big risk to road users.
This is especially the case following the COVID-19 lockdown, with some drivers returning to their cars after months off the road.
The Southern Highlands has also received an influx of weekend day-trippers in the last month.
While they have provided much-needed dollars to businesses after the bushfires, they have also contributed to the increase in traffic.
Mr Smith said as COVID-19 restrictions lifted, he started to attend more crashes.
"It's been a numbers game, less people on the road means less accidents," he said.
"Now that [NSW] is starting to open up, we're seeing an increase in accidents."
Mr Smith said while drivers must be careful on all roads, there were several areas in particular that concerned him.
These include Exeter, Bundanoon, Fitzroy Falls, Macquarie Pass and Alpine.
"Those are the areas that don't dry out quickly," he said.
Mr Smith stressed the importance of driving to the conditions.
"Some people come to the area and drive [to the speed] in a 60 zone. If you're on black ice, you're in the bushes," he said.
"Heed the warning of the conditions. We're not in an area that drives out over winter time.
"Take your time and enjoy the scenery. We live in a beautiful part of the world."
According to the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety, travelling on wet or icy roads increases the risk of a crash.
This is even the case for experienced motorists on routes they know well.
"If you encounter ice on the road, slow down to maintain control of your vehicle and reduce the force of impacts that might occur," the Centre for Road Safety recommends.
"Motorists especially need to take care when driving at night or at dawn or dusk, when surface moisture and dew can freeze into black ice.
"Difficult to see, black ice can remain on the road even during fine days in shaded or low-lying areas."
The Centre for Road Safety's tips for safe driving in icy and wet conditions:
- Obey speed advisory signs and drive to the conditions
- Slow down and watch for ice on roads, especially in shaded or low lying areas
- Drive with your headlights on low beam. You should only use your fog lights if driving in fog, mist, or other atmospheric conditions that restrict your visibility.
- Watch for wildlife warning signs - many road accidents in snow and ice affected areas involve native animals crossing roads, particularly at night
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Braking in icy or wet conditions should be gentle to avoid skidding and losing control. Brake early and accelerate slowly.
