Take these basic precautions to stay safe on the road.
- Driver fatigue is a factor in one in five road fatalities, so make sure you take regular breaks on long trips - ideally 15 minutes every 2 hours.
- Slow down on the roads, drive below the speed limit and set a good example for our young drivers.
- Do not drink and drive. If you are planning on drinking, leave the car at home.
- Be aware of stopping distances and leave enough of a gap between you and the vehicle in front. If you drive an older car, the gap needs to be greater as it's going to take you longer to stop. View our stopping distance tests.
- Driving and texting don't mix. If you need to send a message on your mobile phone when you're in the car, stop to send it.
- Remember to use headlights in wet or poor weather. It makes it easier for others to see you.
- When approaching a roundabout, give way to traffic already on the roundabout and indicate left when leaving.
- At traffic lights, an amber light means prepare to stop unless it is not safe to do so.
- Watch out for pedestrians at all times and give way to them before making a turn at an intersection.
- Adjust the top of your head restraint to eye level or higher. It will help prevent a whiplash injury.
- The rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride in a car.
- Leave your radio on when travelling through major tunnels, so you can be reached if an emergency is broadcasted.
Did you know?
- On average, 31 people die on Australia’s roads every week. More than 10 times as many people are seriously injured*
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young Australians aged 16–25 years*
- Pedestrians account for about 1 in 5 fatalities on our roads, and of those, 25% have a blood alcohol content of 0.05 or more.
* Source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau
