Getting behind the wheel requires more than just the motivation and a drivers license, it is a part of our lives and deserves the focus, respect and responsibility that is needed.
Why do we have road rules?
In Western Australia, in fact throughput Australia, the roads are governed by a lengthy and often detailed set of road rules. These are designed provide strict guidelines for virtually every road/vehicle use and to allow safe travel for all to follow. Could you imagine for a moment trying to get from A to B with no rules at all…? In a word, it would be ‘chaos’, not to mention catastrophic in pretty much every way. And chances are you would not make it very far.
There are many times we probably think we can go faster, change lanes without indicating, just go through the red light because traffic is light and so on. The truth of the matter is that in some countries, common sense can trump the road rules, in some instances. But here in Australia, our road rules are a lot tighter and in the main for a good reason.
Safe Driving Practices in Australia
Australia places a strong emphasis on road safety, and the government, along with various organisations, continually work to promote responsible driving behaviours. Some key safe driving practices include:
Obeying Speed Limits: Speed limits are set for a reason – to ensure the safety of all road users. Adhering to posted speed limits can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Wearing Seatbelts: Seatbelts are a driver and passenger’s first line of defense in a collision. It is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle to wear seatbelts at all times.
Alcohol and Drugs: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination. We of course have strict laws regarding blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers and with the frequent use of Booze Buses, the law is ever vigilant.
Staying Alert and Avoiding Fatigue: Long stretches of road can lead to driver fatigue. It’s crucial to take breaks during extended drives to prevent drowsy driving, which is a leading cause of accidents.
Adhering to Traffic Signals and Signs: Following traffic signals and signs is fundamental to maintaining order on the roads. Ignoring them not only endangers you but also other road users.
Maintaining a Safe Following Distance: Tailgating is a recipe for disaster. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front provides ample time to react to sudden changes in traffic.
Using Indicators and Signals: Signalling intentions helps other drivers anticipate your actions, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Old Fashioned Courtesy: Not to be underestimated, courtesy these days is sometimes in short supply. Just consider how more pleasant driving would be if we all took a more courteous approach to each other as road users.
Phones and Cars.
One of the more focused areas these days with vehicle travel is the use of distracting technology, mainly mobile phones. It is difficult to understand how anyone could feel that a focus on something as trivial as a text message can be worth more than your car, more than your life or the life of another motorist or pedestrian, it is not!
Put simply, if some form of phone interaction is required, pull over safely to provision it or face the wrath of the law. The Police are very focused on this and with good reason, it is simply not worth it to drive and try to read or worse still, write a text while actively driving a vehicle on the road. The current laws for this are very specific and the fines that they carry are particularly significant.
Considerations
Safe driving in Australia requires adhering to established road rules and promoting responsible behaviour behind the wheel. Principally, the risks associated with mobile phone use while driving should never be underestimated. It is essential for drivers to prioritise road safety, avoid distractions, and remain attentive to ensure a safe journey for all road users. Always remember, a split-second distraction can have lifelong consequences.
You can always rely on the professionals at Autospark for the latest know-how in all manner of lighting, bulb replacement, upgrades, mechanical services and even refurbishments to help you and keep you and your vehicle safe.
If you have any issues with your car, talk to us.
