Road Safety Tips For Driving In Australia
There’s nothing quite as exciting as hitting the wide-open roads in Australia. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends or family, you can rest assured of enjoying memorable road trips. However, no matter how experienced you are behind the wheel, you must be cautious. That’s because the roads can be unpredictable, hence increasing your road safety risks. The latest road death statistics in Australia reveal that between October 2020 and October 2021, there were approximately 1,134 road traffic deaths, according to a report on BITRE. With this in mind, it’s crucial to learn a few hacks for staying safe when travelling. Whether you’re going to the grocery store or planning a one-week road trip, here are some road safety tips for driving in Australia.
Disclosure this article contains sponsored content.
Keep Left And Adhere To Traffic Rules
One of the most critical steps to maintaining road safety in Australia is driving on the left-hand side. If you’re not familiar with this driving style, you’ll most likely find yourself navigating to the right side of the road, especially at intersections and roundabouts. Remember, doing so can result in a fatal car crash. To ensure you stay safe on Australian roads, take a considerable amount of time learning how to drive on the left side around quiet roads before heading to the busy highways. In addition to keeping left, follow traffic rules. This step entails driving within set speed limits, using seat belts correctly, and following traffic lights. Failure to do so often leads to hefty penalties. For example, you risk getting a speeding ticket or a fine for not respecting traffic lights.
Learn What To Do If You Are Involved in an Accident
While Australia is ranked as the 15th safest country to drive in, accidents still happen. And, if you are not well prepared to deal with an emergency, you could lose precious time, which can make a difference in being able to save someone’s life or limit the damage to people and properties.
Ideally, you should know how to fill an accident report, know the emergency services’ contact details, and have the number of a specialised car or motorcycle accident attorney at hand.
Learning how to deliver CPR and first aid can also help.
Prepare For Roadside Emergencies
It’s difficult to predict when mechanical problems will occur while you’re on the road. For this reason, consider finding a trustworthy towing company. This step is crucial to ensure you’re not stranded on the road for hours, which can be dangerous. Having professional roadside assistance eliminates any worries because they’ll respond to your call immediately. However, to enjoy this perk, make sure your towing company offers services 24 hours a day. Also, find out the price of towing a vehicle to ensure your service provider is affordable. Note that most towing companies charge $125 to $275 to tow a car for 40miles. You also spend an extra $50-$250 to move your automobile from an accident scene. So, compare rates from different service providers and pick one that fits your needs.
Familiarise Yourself With Road Conditions In Advance
As with the weather and landscapes, road conditions in Australia are diverse. Ideally, you’ll find yourself traversing muddy trails, tarmac roads, and dusty roads. Since roads present many challenges, make sure you understand road conditions in advance. Spend time driving in less busy streets to learn more about giving pedestrians a right of way, how to parallel park, and pass a two-lane road. It’s also wise to read online road reports or listen to traffic updates on tv or radio. This trick helps you drive safely on unfamiliar terrain, especially in regions that experience bushfires and floods.
If you’re driving in Australia for the first time, you’ll face many challenges on the road. For instance, all drivers are expected to keep left. Therefore, make an effort to learn the basics of driving on the left-hand side. Also, know the traffic rules and follow them, plan your trip, prepare for road emergencies, and familiarise yourself with road conditions. Make sure to follow safety practices while driving too. Wear your seatbelt and avoid using your phone while on the wheel. Consider making your road trip more safe, comfortable, and convenient by outfitting your vehicle with new car accessories, such as weatherproof liners and floor mats, storage organisers, cushions, and food holders.
Also See: How Do Crime and Thriller Authors Become Successful on Amazon?
Successful Indie Author Release Strategies by Craig Martelle-Summary
