The condition of your vehicle and how you behave on the road all contribute to a safe driving experience.
Car maintenance
- Have your vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.
- A vehicle in sound mechanical order is a safe vehicle.
Courtesy
- Be courteous and considerate to other road users.
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Obey the rules of the road.
- Know your capabilities and drive within them.
Maintain the gap
- Maintain a two-second gap between your car and the car in front.
- The gap should be greater in adverse weather or visibility conditions.
- If you are overtaken, give them room to pull in.
Keep left
- Keep to the left, unless you are overtaking.
Indicate early
- Indicate at least 30 metres before you intend to turn, be aware of other road users and signal your intentions.
Anticipate
- Anticipate traffic flow. Position yourself in the correct lane in plenty of time.
- Avoid sharp braking and accelerating.
- Learn to read the road and drive smoothly.
Road signs
- Understand the road signs and obey them.
- Always stop behind the white line at stop signs.
- Stop for amber lights unless it is unsafe to do so.
Overtaking
- Don't overtake unless you are certain that the road ahead is clear.
- Don't overtake if you are approaching a crest, curve, intersection or a pedestrian, school or railway crossing.
- It is unlawful to cross a continuous white centre line.
Night driving
- It is more difficult to see and be seen at night.
- Adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
- Watch out for wildlife at night.
Speeding
- Speeding is a major cause of road accidents, drive within the speed limit at all times.
- Observe the 40km/h limit in school zones.
- If you are unsure of the road, slow down.
Drink driving
- Driving and alcohol don't mix.
- If you are going out for the evening and intend to drink, leave your car at home or nominate a non-drinker to drive.
- WA Drug & Alcohol Office.
- Drug Aware.
Drugs & driving
- Being under the influence of more than one drug, including alcohol, puts you at even more risk of having a car crash.
- A driver may not realise jut how much their driving ability is affected until they're in a situation where it's tested.
- WA Department of Health.
- Drug Aware.
Fatigue
- If you are going on a long trip, get a good night's sleep beforehand.
- Avoid driving late at night, when you would normally be sleeping.
- Don't drive if you are tired or feel stressed.
- Take regular breaks while driving and be aware of the symptoms of fatigue (sore or tired eyes, discomfort, boredom or highway hypnosis).
Seat belts
- Wear your seat belts, it's the law.
- Ensure your passengers are securely restrained and be especially aware of the need to properly restrain children.
Concentrate
- Don't become distracted by your passengers or what is happening around you.
- Watch the road ahead and be aware of potential hazards.
Slow down
- Leave plenty of time for emergencies (punctures, accidents etc).
- The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to hazards.