| 2016 Road Deaths | Deaths |
|---|---|
|
NSW |
370 |
|
QLD |
250 |
|
VIC |
219 |
|
WA |
195 |
|
SA |
87 |
|
NT |
45 |
|
ACT |
10 |
With so much driver awareness information out there, these numbers should really be TOWARDS ZERO, but sadly, they’re not.
If you have a driver’s licence you should definitely know a lot about how to be a safe driver like; sticking to the speed limit, never drinking or drug driving, keeping left unless overtaking, allowing others to overtake, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front and the list goes on an on.
If you’re ‘casual driver’, or any driver for that fact, there are 4 more important things to consider when you hit the road these school holidays.
- Remember, there are more kids out and about on school holidays, especially in shopping centre car parks, so be a vigilant driver and don’t assume that all kids have road awareness. Check before reversing out of driveways as there will be a lot more kids riding their bikes or scooters on the footpaths.
- If you’re planning on taking a long trip, get your car checked out to make sure everything is in safe working condition, (don’t skimp on this, you have your family’s lives in your hands.)
- If you’re driving long distances or night driving, plan ahead, (most parents I know like to night drive so their kids sleep and they’re not distracted.)
If you don’t have that much experience with long-distance or night driving, make sure you are:
- Well rested and use ‘Stop Revive Survive’ rest points;
- Leave a safe distance between you and the car or truck in front of you;
- Indicate at least 30 meters before making a turn, merging or entering and exiting freeways and roundabouts;
- Remember that “If you CAN’T see a truck’s mirrors the truck driver CAN’T see you”. Even if you can see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver might not see you, so take extra care when driving around trucks and never cut them off or tailgate them, the space they leave in front is NOT for you to move into, especially just before traffic lights .
Remember you’re sharing the road with other cars, bikes and big Medium Rigid Vehicles, Heavy Rigid Vehicles, Heavy Combination Vehicles and Multi Combination Vehicles that can have a weight of 8 tonnes up to 62.5 tonnes, so be vigilant when driving and don’t be complacent.
STAY ALERT AND STAY ALIVE!
Click here for more tips on sharing the road and safe driving.
