Safer driving
This page contains:
- Guide to safe driving
- Driver fatigue
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Carrying a child safely in your car
- Your legal responsibility
Guide to safe driving
- Keep at a safe distance behind other vehicles. A good guide is to keep at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you for every 10 kilometres per hour your vehicle is travelling along the road. In the wet, and at night, leave more distance.
- Ensure your mobile phone is switched off or diverted while you are driving.
- Avoid driving when fatigued. Pull over and take power naps on long trips.
- Be especially alert at high pedestrian areas such as shopping centres and crossings.
- Slow down in pedestrian areas (ie. schools, kindergartens, shops and the like).
- Be aware of bicycles and motorbikes.
- Drop back or move across to allow for merging traffic.
- Ensure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit prior to driving. Remember your BAC may still be over the limit the morning after.
- Approach intersections with caution, at a speed that allows you to stop if necessary.
- Be courteous and considerate to all other road users.
- Indicate early when changing lanes or turning so that other road users have plenty of warning.
- Plan your route well ahead so that you do not 'cut in' on other drivers.
- Remain calm at all times.
More comprehensive information is available from the ACT road rules handbook, obtainable from the ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services web site.
Driver fatigue
Fatigue is not necessarily associated with long trips or heavy vehicles and it is difficult to assess. In general terms:
- 60% of crashes/near misses occur within the first 2 hours of a journey
- incidents are more likely on the return trip
- although relatively constant throughout the year, the incidence of fatigue related crashes is higher during September to December and this phenomena is also experienced by drivers in urban areas, particularly on their journeys home at the end of the working day.
Avoiding driver fatigue on long trips
- for long trips plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break
- take a break at least every two hours
- plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey
- share the driving - and make sure you rest when you are not driving
- try not to drive when you would normally be asleep (early mornings and late nights)
You should look out for these signs when you are driving (long and short trips):
- you keep yawning
- your reactions slow down
- you feel stiff
- your eyes feel heavy
- you find you are day dreaming
- you wander over the centre line or on to the edge of the road
Using a mobile phone while driving
Can I use my hands-free phone?
If you can work your phone without holding it, then yes.
What about if it's in a cradle?
Again, if you don't hold the phone, you're fine. Pushing buttons on a phone that's in a cradle or on a steering wheel or handlebars is not prohibited.
So is using a hands-free not dangerous then?
Using a hands-free phone is distracting. You still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of your vehicle. If you have an accident and are using a hands-free phone you could still be charged with various offences depending on the circumstances.
Can I text?
If you have to hold your phone to text, you can't do it. Neither can you use Internet or video technology.
Can I use my phone between my shoulder and my ear?
Absolutely not. This still counts as holding the phone to make or receive a call.
So can my passengers use their mobiles while I'm driving?
Yes.
I'm stuck in a traffic jam, what then?
The ban still applies. The ban applies when driving and driving includes time stopped at traffic lights or other hold-ups when a vehicle is expected to move off after a short while. Your vehicle must be parked before you can use your phone.
What if I'm driving and my phone rings?
Not good enough. Let the call ring and use your phone when you've parked. Better still switch it to voicemail before driving.
But I have to use my mobile for my job.
You can't use your hand-held phone while driving, full stop.
I've heard two-way radios can still be used, is that true?
Yes, the term 'mobile phone' does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio. However, if using the radio causes distraction drivers could still be prosecuted depending on the circumstances.
Surely making an emergency call is ok?
There is no exemption for calls to 000. Park first!
Carrying a child safely in your car
The following requirements apply whenever children are travelling in a vehicle:
- every child under the age of one year must be restrained in a suitable, approved child restraint
- children over the age of one but under the age of 16 must be restrained in either a suitable approved child restraint or seat belt; and
- the child restraints and seatbelts the children are using must be properly fastened and adjusted.
In particular, a child must NEVER be put into a seatbelt with an adult or another child because seatbelt is designed for the use of one person. Remember, children are much safer in the back. If there are not enough seating positions in rear for all of the children, you should put the heaviest child in the front.
Approved restraints
All child restraints must meet the Australian Standards AS 1754. This will be shown on a label attached to the restraint and carrying the "Australian Standard" symbol (pictured).
Infant restraints
For babies up to 9kg, from birth to six months approximately and 700mm maximum length.
Convertible restraints
For babies up to 12kg, rearward facing (refer restraint baby weight specifications) and children 8 to 18kg facing forward.
Child car seats
For children 8 to 18kg.
Child harness
Suitable for children 14 to 32kg (without booster seat).
Booster seats
Suitable for children from 14 to 26kg. Approximately three to five years. A booster seat can be used in conjunction with a child harness or a properly adjusted lap sash seat belt.
All photos courtesy of ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services and Safe-n-Sound.
Territory and Municipal Services has further information about the different types of child restraining devices available. Before purchasing a restraint, always check to make sure it is suitable for your child and vehicle.
Your legal responsibility
It is the driver's legal responsibility to ensure all children travelling in the vehicle are correctly secured or seated, even for short trips.
Failure to comply with the requirements is a serious offence and you are liable for a substantial fine as well as demerit points.
More information, including a guide to appropriate child restraints for different weight and age ranges is available from Territory and Municipal Services.