A 22-year-old Narre Warren man crashed his white Lexus into a deer on the Great Alpine Road about 11.30pm on Friday.

He struck the animal near Tawonga Gap Road, killing it and writing off his car.

Police were called to another crash on the Great Alpine Road at Harrietville about 30 minutes later.

A 32-year-old Melbourne man hit black ice while driving his Toyota utility, causing it to spin out and roll several times down the road.

The man received shoulder injuries.

“He was fairly lucky to get out with just that,” Leading Senior Constable Scott Baldock said.

“He was taken to Wangaratta hospital and released the following morning.”

The 22-year-old had been on holidays in Harrietville and the older man had been heading to the snow.

Leading Senior Constable Baldock said black ice could cause problems in the region. 

“It all depends on the night,” he said. 

“Friday night wasn’t great for black ice – it was really cold. 

“There are warning lights out there, but the driver obviously wasn’t able to see the ice and has lost control.” 

He said the driver who crashed into the deer had been unable to avoid the animal. 

“Neither driver received a ticket, it’s more about getting the message out about people being aware of the conditions and their surroundings,” Leading Senior Constable Baldock said. 

Police are expecting an influx of people heading to the snowfields soon as school holidays start in Victoria.