Untitled Document

Get Your Licence	Buy a Car	Go Places	Join	Save Money	Competitions	Contact Us

Being a Safe and Responsible Driver

Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a factor in one in six crashes that result in serious injury or death. If you are travelling long distances, it is vital that you remain alert at all times and be aware of the warning signs of fatigue.

Driving at Night

Drivers have to adjust to the decreasing level of light at dusk. With full darkness, vision is limited to a relatively small area illuminated by the headlights.

Aggressive Motorist Behaviour

Although some motorists may not intend to be aggressive, manoeuvres such as improper lane changes or overtaking, may delay, endanger or irritate other road users.

Safe Driving Techniques

Defensive Driving

A defensive driver drives to a method that will prevent the likelihood of being involved in an incident despite adverse driving conditions, encountering hazardous locations or the unsafe practices of other road users.

Negotiating Turns and Intersections

When approaching an intersection, complete observation of existing traffic conditions, signs, road markings and hazards is required in assessing and determining whether the vehicle can safely enter and clear the intersection.

Defensive Road Use Techniques

Defensive road use techniques covered include the use of indicators and brake lights to warn other motorists, scanning and mirror use, stopping and following distances and overtaking.

Driving under hazardous conditions

A driver should always drive according to the prevailing conditions. Particular care and attention is needed when driving in adverse weather and/or hazardous road conditions.

Sharing the road with other users

Heavy Vehicles

Special consideration should be taken and care exercised when sharing the roads with heavy vehicles.

Emergency Vehicles

It is a driver's obligation to give way to an emergency vehicle sounding a siren, bell or flashing lights wherever practicable.

Cyclists

As road users, both cyclists and motorists have the right to safe, hassle-free travel. Each also has a responsibility to the other and must obey the same road rules.

Motorcycles

The driving behaviour of motorists and motorcyclists is quite different. Motorists tend to underestimate the speed and acceleration abilities of motorcycles.

Animals and stock

Animals are unpredictable and this can be a problem when driving. When travelling in areas where animals are likely to be on the road, extra care and attention is required.

Roadwork sites

You must observe and obey roadwork signs when approaching and driving through roadwork sites.