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Safe Driving Practices

Safe driving is a state of mind – being alert for the unexpected and ready to take evasive action.

For example when approaching a stopped school bus be aware that a child may run out from behind or in front of the bus at any time. Be prepared to take action.

By concentrating and looking out for potential problems, you can avoid crashes that result from the mistakes of others.

Be alert to everything happening around you.

Driving safely

Intersections
Plan your trips to use intersections with traffic lights. Traffic lights with green arrows are even better. Intersections with STOP or GIVE WAY signs are a better choice than intersections with no signs. Try to find roads with less traffic.

You can reduce your risk of crashing by avoiding busy roads where you need to turn right, across oncoming traffic. It may be possible to choose a safer route and substitute high risk right turns with low risk left turns.

At intersections, always look right and left to make sure that it is all clear to go. Do this even where there are signs and traffic lights.

Take the time to look for any vehicles and to judge their distance from you. Many crashes occur because drivers do not follow this basic driving practice. Peripheral vision can decrease with age so to compensate, turn your head more. If there is any doubt about how far away a car is, don’t proceed until it has passed. If the driver behind is sounding the horn, don’t be bullied into moving off until you are satisfied that it’s safe.

Driving in heavy traffic
Driving at peak hours or on busy highways is not much fun for anyone. Plan your trip so that, on the roads you choose, traffic is light and you have plenty of time to enjoy your trip.

Driving at night
Try to avoid it! If it is necessary to drive at night, do not drive when you would normally be asleep.
Keep the journey as short as possible and travel on familiar roads.

Merging with moving traffic
A problem with merging into freeway traffic is being able to see traffic that is behind you on the freeway in the lane you want to enter. Turning from the waist instead of just turning your head will make it easier to see traffic. Remember to use the full length of the merging lane on the freeway. This means you can use your mirrors to see traffic from behind.

Remember you must not cross a lane line unless it is safe to do so, and make sure that you are travelling at the same speed as the freeway traffic when you join the freeway.

Head checks
A head check is the turn of the head to the left or the right to make sure the space you are about to move into is not already occupied. Turning your head is very important because mirrors have blind spots. You may not be able to see a vehicle in your mirrors – especially a small vehicle like a motorcycle. Many times there will not be a vehicle in your blind spot but occasionally there will be one there. That’s why a head check can be a ‘lifesaver’.

Rear vision mirrors
Glance regularly in the rear vision mirrors. By doing this you will be aware of what is occurring behind you. This is very important for overtaking.

Regularly checking the rear vision mirrors means that you will always know what is happening behind you. However, remember to do a ‘head check’ before changing lanes.

Following distance
Older people often take longer to react. Keep a safe distance from the car in front. Under normal conditions you should have a two-second gap between your car and the car in front. In wet weather and at night, leave a bigger gap.

The way to work this out is to pick a solid object beside the road, like a white post. When the back end of the car in front reaches the object start counting ‘one thousand and one, one thousand and two’ – two seconds. The front of your car should not have reached this point until you have counted two seconds. If it has you are too close.

Don’t worry if someone else fills the gap. Move back again to maintain your two-second gap.

The two-second gap should be extended to four seconds in the following situations:

  • Bad weather conditions
  • When you are tired
  • When your vehicle is heavily laden and can’t stop as quickly
  • When you are towing
  • When you are unsure of the road

Often the ability to judge distance and speed deteriorates with age. Try to turn your head more often to check the road on both sides, especially near an intersection. If you are not sure if it’s safe to go – wait. Take your time and look.

Lights on
Cars are harder to see on rainy days and at night. If you find it hard to see them, chances are they will find it hard to see you. Put your head lights on low beam so you can be seen.

Parking lights are not very visible, so low beam is recommended. If you are worried that you might leave your lights on, put a note on your dashboard, with ‘lights on’ to remind you.

Driving below the speed limit
It is a good idea to take your time and not feel hassled while you’re on the road. Keep checking your rear vision mirror. If you notice a growing number of cars in the line behind you, you are probably going too slowly for other traffic.

Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. When the line of cars has passed, you can resume your journey at your own pace. Keep checking the mirror and you can’t go far wrong.

Where there are two lanes going in your direction, use the left lane if possible.

Long distance travel
Try to avoid it! However, if it is an important journey, plan it well in advance. Be well rested before you start the journey and plan for some rest periods. During each rest period you should be able to park the car safely, get out and stretch your legs and perhaps have some light refreshment. Keep each stage of your journey short enough for you to remain comfortable.

Waiting to turn
When waiting to turn into a driveway, side street or at an intersection have your wheels pointing straight ahead. This way if you are hit in the rear end you will go straight ahead. If you have your wheels turned, then you will go in that direction, perhaps into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Road Rules

Surveys show that older drivers can be unfamiliar with the meaning of new road rules and uncertain about how to respond to new traffic signs and lights. Knowledge of the meaning of all road signs and road markings is also vital.

If you are not sure about current road rules and would like to improve your knowledge, copies of the Learner Driver Handbook are available at any Service Tasmania outlet. The Learner Driver Handbook contains everything you need to know about Tasmania’s road rules. The Learner Driver Handbook is also available on the website, www.transport.tas.gov.au

Groups of seniors and organisations can book a two-hour Older Driver Safety Seminar, presented by the Road Safety Operations Branch, DIER, by telephoning (03) 6233 6643.

Some suggestions

  • Understand that you will be safer if you have a thorough knowledge of current road rules
  • Information is always available on new road rules. Contact your local Service Tasmania outlet for more information.
  • Have some lessons with a local driving school
  • Contact the Road Safety Operations Branch, DIER, to arrange an Older
  • Driver Safety Seminar for your group or organisation.

Seat belts

Older drivers are more likely to be injured in accidents, at least partly because of their frailty. This greater vulnerability to injury makes it all the more important that seat belts should always be worn while driving.

Some drivers may have trouble with fastening and undoing the seat belt clasps. Some may have trouble with looking over their shoulder to check on traffic when wearing the seat belt.

Nevertheless you are always safer with a seat belt on. If you do have physical difficulties, consult an occupational therapist who can assist you with adjustments. No-one is exempt from having to wear a seat belt just because they are getting older.

Remember that seat belts can give you up to a 50 per cent better chance of surviving an accident without being killed or seriously injured than not wearing one at all. Make sure all your passengers have their seat belts fastened before you drive.

Some suggestions

  • Make sure the seat belt is secure and snugly fitted
  • Make sure the seat belt sits flat against you. It should not be twisted.
  • Wear the lap part below your stomach, sitting across your hips
  • Make sure the sash part goes over your shoulder and across your chest. If it rubs your neck or your arm, you can get a sash guide to make it fit better.
  • Some cars have adjustable fittings for the top part of the seat belt
  • If you’re having difficulties using your seat belt it may be worthwhile talking to an occupational therapist. Seat belts can be adjusted to fix most problems.

Wear the lap part of the seat belt low around the hips
Wear the lap part of the seat belt low around the hips. Seat belts and restraints

Child restraints

There may be times when you are transporting young children in your car, such as your grandchildren. The following are some safety tips to help manage young children in the car.

  • Always wear your own seat belt. You are an important role model.
  • Drive courteously and safely. You are setting an example.
  • Use the right restraint for the size and weight of the child:
  • Infant capsule: from birth to 6 months (or 9 kg), restraint facing rearward
  • Convertible seat: birth to 4 years, with its own harness. Restraint facing rearward up to 6 months (or 9 kg). Restraint facing forward from 6 months to 4 years (or 8kg - 18kg)
  • Child car seat: from 6 months to 4 years (or 8kg - 18 kg), with its own harness
  • Booster seat: from 3 to 8 years (or 14 - 32 kg), used with or without a child harness
  • Child safety harness: from 3 - 8 years (or 14 - 32 kg) can be used with or without a booster seat.

Baby capsules are available for hire from community groups, RACT, Red Cross and local councils - for details contact the Road Safety Operations Branch, DIER on telephone: (03) 6233 6643.

Baby capsules need to be correctly installed -contact the RACT Child Safety Centres at major RACT branches for free advice on correct fitting and use of child restraints.

Driving and Alcohol

The crash risk with alcohol
The risk of being involved in a crash increases dramatically if the driver has been drinking alcohol. For drivers who are ill, tired or taking some medications, the risk, at any Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), will be higher.

What is BAC?
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration. BAC can be measured by taking a sample of blood. This however is not necessary because the amount of alcohol in your blood can be determined by analysing your breath. BAC is measured when you blow into a breath-testing machine.

Car drivers with full licences must have a BAC of less than 0.05. The legal limit for people with learner and provisional licences and people driving trucks, buses and taxis is zero.

You must not refuse to be breath tested if you are asked by police. The minimum penalty for refusing a test is cancellation of your licence for at least two years as well as a fine.

What alcohol does to your driving

  • You feel overconfident and take risks you would not otherwise take
  • You will often not be aware of the extent of your driving impairment
  • You will have slower reflexes and poorer muscular coordination
  • You will be less able to process information because your vision, hearing and brain are all affected by alcohol
  • Your decision-making ability will deteriorate. You will be less able to cope with more than one thing at a time – a necessary skill when driving. Driving and alcohol

How much can you drink?
Many factors affect how much you can drink and still stay under the legal limit.

The factors that don’t change are

  • Gender. Women drinking the same amount of alcohol as men of the same size will have a higher BAC.
  • Body size. Persons with small body build will have a higher BAC than larger persons drinking the same amount of alcohol.

The factors that do change are

  • Food consumption. Food in your stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol. If you have no food or little food before drinking, you will reach a higher BAC more quickly.
  • Rate of drinking. The quicker you drink the more quickly your BAC will increase.
  • Amount of alcohol. The greater the alcoholic content of your drinks, the sooner your BAC will increase.
  • General health. If you are in poor health, your liver will be less able to deal with the alcohol you drink, so your BAC will reach a high level and remain higher for longer.
  • Mixing alcohol and medication. The effect of even small amounts of alcohol is increased by some medicines. These medicines have distinctive labels. Police have the power to check for the effect of drugs other than alcohol. If they observe that your driving is impaired, and it can’t be explained by alcohol alone, they can test for the effect of drugs. So, always ask health professionals and pharmacists about the effects of medication on driving.

How many standard drinks are you drinking?

Liver. Your liver can only work at a set rate to remove alcohol from your blood. As livers age they become less efficient. A liver that is not healthy will take longer to process alcohol.
 Time. Only time reduces the alcohol in your blood.

Know your own limits
Since different amounts of alcohol are contained in different drinks, it’s important to understand about standard drinks.
A standard drink is any drink that contains 10 grams (12.5ml) of alcohol. Nearly all bottles and cans will tell you on the label how many standard drinks are inside the container.

Some bottles and cans tell you how many grams of alcohol they contain. By dividing this number by 10 you can work out how many standard drinks each contains. For example, a can of beer may tell you that it contains 15 grams of alcohol, which is equal to 1.5, or one and one half standard drinks.

However, be careful as some glasses can be deceptive, particularly wine and champagne glasses. Many of those commonly used in restaurants and hotels contain more than one standard drink. Many hold nearer to two standard drinks. The pictures above show some examples of how many standard drinks are actually in what you may be drinking.

Avoiding the drink driving problem
Plan ahead. Plan your travel arrangements before going somewhere where you may be drinking.

  • Share a taxi with friends. They are not expensive, especially if you can share the costs. You will also avoid night driving and having to find a parking space.

The penalties for drink driving are severe and may involve the loss of your licence. You will definitely lose your licence for a second offence.

The best strategy is to plan ahead to avoid drinking and driving.

Keeping your car in good condition

It is important to keep your car in good condition so you can:

  • Avoid your car breaking down
  • Decrease the likelihood of having an accident caused by faulty mechanical parts

What are the roadworthy rules?
You don’t need to know all the rules and regulations or have detailed mechanical knowledge to keep your car in safe roadworthy condition. All you need to know are a few basic roadworthy principles:

  • If your car had particular equipment when it was first registered, then that equipment should still be there and operating. For example, if there was a left side mirror and it falls off, it needs to be replaced.
  • If anything out of the ordinary happens to your car – strange noises, rattling etc – then have it checked out. Don’t wait until it creates a dangerous situation. An early check can often help you save on expensive repairs.

Simple safety checks for your car
When you have your car serviced, ask the mechanic to do a quick safety check for you.

Your auto club may be able to help with ideas for maintaining your car in a safe condition.

Here are some simple safety checks you can do yourself, as well as having regular servicing and inspections by a mechanic. Make sure you read your car owner manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedules.


Lights
Burned out light bulbs are not always easy to detect from the driver’s seat but they can be a serious traffic hazard.

At least once a month check all the various lights and switches. This can be done with someone else standing in front and behind the car and checking that all the lights are working. Alternatively drive both forwards and backwards into the garage or carport and check the lights on the wall behind the car. Regularly clean dirt and dust off all lights.

A broken indicator is usually identified by a marked change in the flashing speed of the turn signal indicator. No flashing at all may also indicate a defective flasher unit.

If other people flash their lights at you at night when you are using your low beam head lights, this probably means that your head lights are aimed too high. Your head lights should be tested by a mechanic or at your local garage and properly adjusted.

Lights

Check your parking lights,  Check your tail lights   check brake lights
Check your parking lights, low beam head lights, high beam head lights and indicators.
Lights

Check your tail lights, brake lights, indicators and reversing lights.

Checking Lights

Using the garage door or wall to check brake lights.

Engine leaks
Another advantage of reversing into your garage or carport is that you can get to your bonnet easily so that you can check oil and water levels.

Keep the floor of your garage/carport clean. This way you can check for oil or cooling system leaks by regularly checking the ground directly under the engine for pools of liquid.

Leaks can be an indicator that a dangerous problem is developing. Some radiator fluid overflow from a warm engine may be normal, as is water from the air conditioner. However if you discover pools of liquid under the engine it is best to consult a mechanic quickly.

Steering
It is a good idea to consult a mechanic if the following things happen when steering your car:

  • You can move the steering wheel more than the width of three fingers without the front wheels of the car moving
  • When driving on a smooth, flat road there is a tendency for the car to pull to either side
  • It becomes easier or harder to turn the steering wheel while driving
  • There are whining, creaking or grating noises when you turn the steering wheel

Tyres
In the car owner manual you should find the recommended tyre pressure for the tyres on your car. The maximum tyre pressure is also stamped on the sidewall of each tyre. A tyre should hold its pressure for about three months. If you find that your tyres are losing pressure more frequently than this:

  • Check that the valve caps are in place and are screwed down firmly
  • Take your car to a garage and get the tyres checked. You may need new tyres.

Remember when you are checking the pressure in your tyres to also check your spare tyre. You are going to be in big trouble if you get a puncture and your spare tyre is flat.

There needs to be clear and visible tread on all parts of the tyre that meet the road.

Your tyres should be free from cuts, gouges, cracks and bulges.

Promptly replace worn or damaged tyres because they are very likely to get punctures, and are particularly dangerous in wet and slippery conditions.

To be safe, check your tyres every autumn.

Checking Tyres
These symbols on the tyre show you where to find the tread wear indicator.  Seat height adjusted up.

Checking Tyres
The tread wear indicator is the bump inside the groove. When tread wear indicators touch the ground as the wheel turns, the tyre needs replacing.  Seat height adjusted down.

Brakes
Brakes are essential for safety. However they are very easily overlooked when checking your car.

To check brakes, turn the engine off, press the brake pedal as hard as you would if you had to stop suddenly in traffic and hold the pressure for thirty seconds. The brake pedal should not noticeably sink towards the floor. If it does, consult a mechanic promptly.

To check power-assisted brakes, turn the engine off, press the brake pedal lightly, hold this pressure and start the engine. The pedal should move a small amount towards the floor. After this initial movement the pedal should not sink any further. If it does, consult a mechanic promptly.

When you use the brakes on the road:

  • The car should not pull to one side or the other
  • The car’s motion should not feel jerky
  • You should not feel any pulsations in the brake pedal except for emergency stops with Antilock Braking System (ABS)
  • The brakes should not make grinding or squealing noises

If any of these things happen consult a mechanic immediately.
Brakes

The brake pedal should not go down more than two thirds
The brake pedal should not go down more than two thirds of the distance to the floor regardless of brake type.

Windscreen
Clear vision is essential for safe driving.

  • Keep your front and rear windscreens clean and free of cracks and chips. If chips and cracks do occur then they must either be repaired, or the windscreen must be replaced.
  • Do not allow ornaments to hang in front of the window
  • Do not allow stickers that are not legally required. These things obstruct your view of the road.

Wipers

  • Make sure the wipers on your car remove water from your windows without leaving smudges and smears. Check all wiper speeds.
  • Make sure the wipers operate without jerking or skipping
  • Remember to fill your windscreen washer water bottles when you check the oil and water
  • Replace your wiper blades when they become noisy or fail to clear rain completely

Buying a new car

If you are buying a new car there are a number of important things to look for. The right choice can make driving both more comfortable and safer.
See the Safer Driving section.

Power steering
This makes turning the car much easier than normal steering. This means that you control the car better, and parking and turning at sharp corners are relatively effortless.

Antilock Braking System (ABS)
This allows you to control your car better in an emergency that requires strong braking.

Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission makes driving easier. You can keep both hands on the steering wheel. You don’t have to worry about a clutch.

Steering wheel adjustment
This complements seat height adjustment and allows you to be more comfortable, reducing fatigue and making good driving easier.

Driver seat height adjustment
This can make a big difference to how much you see ahead and around you, especially if you are short.
Check Seat Adjustment

Seat height adjusted up.

Check Seatbelt

Seat height adjusted down.

Seat belt anchorage adjustment
This allows you to fix the height at which the seat belt crosses your shoulder and can help you to be more comfortable.
Check Seat Adjustment

Seat belt anchorage adjustment
Seat belt anchorage adjustment: Move it up or down so that the ‘sash’ part of the belt goes across your shoulder without rubbing against your neck.

Cruise control with over-speed warning device
Cruise control can reduce fatigue on long trips because it reduces the need to concentrate on staying within the speed limit.

Over-speed warning devices are useful in urban and other situations where the use of cruise control is not practical. These devices are manually set. If you exceed the speed you have selected an audible beep is emitted and a red light will flash.

New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) result
This program measures how well a new car protects its occupants by crashing new vehicles and measuring the impact on crash-test dummies. The better the results the less likely the occupants are to be injured in a real crash.

Used Car Safety Ratings result
This program looks at many thousands of real crashes and assesses the safety of each model based on the injuries suffered by the occupants in those crashes.

Airbags
Front airbags for the driver and passenger can significantly reduce life threatening head injuries when used in conjunction with a properly worn seatbelt. Both drivers and passengers need to be seated correctly. Drivers must not be huddled over the steering wheel. Side airbags are also effective in reducing injuries from side impact crashes.

Size and weight
A vehicle that is significantly lighter than average increases the risk of injury to its occupants. A minimum weight of around 1300kg is recommended.

Cargo barrier for station wagons
In a crash even light objects can become deadly missiles if they are not properly restrained. Cargo barriers confine unrestrained objects to the rear compartment of the vehicle.

Safer Driving

Did you know that over the past 40 or so years, improvements in car design have halved an occupant's risk of being seriously injured in a road crash? Today's cars are much safer both in helping crashes to be avoided and in protecting drivers and passengers if they become involved in a crash.

If you can afford to, buying a newer car with a view to improving your safety can represent a very positive step. If you do decide to change cars, here are some of the features that you should be looking for:

  • buy as new a car as you can afford. As a general rule, the newer the car, the safer the car
  • buy as large a car as you feel comfortable driving. As a general rule, the larger the car, the safer the car
  • buy a car which has good safety ratings. Most new and many older car models are regularly assessed for crashworthiness and this information is readily available. If you have difficulty getting the latest safety ratings, detailed results from the latest round of New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests are published in a brochure available from RACT offices. You can also visit the Australian New Car Assessment Program website at www.nrma.com.au You are now leaving our site. DIER is not responsible for the content of the website to which you are going. The link does not consitute any form of endorsement.

In addition to some models being safer than others, there are also individual safety features to look for:

  • front airbags
  • side airbags (these are particularly valuable for older drivers)
  • ABS brakes
  • seat belt pre-tensioners
  • head restraints
  • a centre-mounted brake light.

Some people are wary about buying a car with airbags because they fear that the airbags may cause injury, particularly to children. Most of the injuries arising from being hit by an expanding airbag occur in the United States, where the airbag design is more aggressive than the design used in Australia. On balance, Australian statistics deliver a clear cut message: airbags save lives and reduce injuries.

However it is true that airbags are not designed for young children, who should always be carried properly restrained in the back seat.

Vehicle Safety Checklist

If you are buying a car, the following checklist might be helpful.

Important safety features:

  • An above average vehicle safety rating
  • Newest car you can afford
  • Largest car you are comfortable with
  • Airbags - driver, passenger and side airbags
  • Accessible controls
  • Electric mirrors
  • Power steering
  • Central mounted rear brake light
  • Good driver visibility

Other safety features:

  • Load limiter seat belts
  • Anti-lock (ABS) brakes
  • Traction control
  • Light colour
  • Vehicle turning circle
  • Cruise control

Features to avoid:

  • Bull bars
  • Large 4WDs

External mirrors
An external mirror on each side of the car, as well as the interior mirror, will make driving safer and more comfortable. External mirrors increase the amount you are able to see when you are driving.

Occupational therapists can offer a range of suggestions for adjustments or extra equipment that will help you to see behind your car.
Some cars have a switch which makes it easier to adjust external mirrors. It saves you from the frustrating task of having to adjust, check and then adjust again.

Visibility
Light and bright coloured cars are more visible on the road than dark, dull colours. White and light yellow cars are probably the most visible. Driving during the day with your head lights on low beam will assist other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle.

Air conditioning
This controls the temperature and humidity inside the car and can contribute a great deal to your comfort. It will also help keep you alert and reduce fatigue in extreme weather conditions.

The air conditioner can be used to quickly get rid of fog on front and rear windscreens – you can use hot or cold air to remove fog, provided the air conditioner is on.

Loads and Towing

Roof racks
A roof rack needs to be securely attached to the vehicle. Check each time you use it.

The load on the roof rack must be securely attached to the roof rack. There are severe fines for carrying unsecured loads.

Very heavy items should never be carried on a roof rack.

Loads in the vehicle
Heavy objects should never be carried inside the passenger compartment unless they are secured. In the event of a crash items may fly around the passenger compartment and cause serious injuries.

Often a seat belt can be used to secure heavy items. Fitting and using a cargo barrier in station wagons reduces the risk of injury.

Trailers and caravans
Towing trailers and caravans puts extra demands on your driving skills. All the pointers in this book need to be followed even more closely.

Loads carried in a trailer or caravan need to be carefully secured.

Loose items inside a caravan are likely to cause damage if you have to swerve or stop quickly.

The trailer or caravan needs to be securely attached to the vehicle that is towing it. Tow bars and other parts that attach the trailer or caravan to the car need to be checked regularly.

Lights
Always check that lights at the rear of the towed vehicle are in working order – tail lights, brake lights, indicator lights.

Mirrors
A high or wide trailer or caravan will obscure your view to the rear through the normal rear vision mirrors. Retailers who sell or hire caravans can often provide temporary extension rear vision mirrors.