Safe Driving

Seven Road Safety Tips 

For many teenagers, learning to drive is an important rite of passage. Having that licence tucked away in their wallet unlocks the gate towards earning the P-plate, and the gradual freedom and independence that comes with it. Here are some road safety tips to share with your teen to encourage them to be better, safer drivers.

1. Wear your seat belt

You must always wear a safety belt, even for short trips to the shops. According to the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland, you’re 10 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if you’re not wearing a seat belt.

Seat belts work because they distribute forces from a crash across the chest and pelvis, some of the strongest parts of the body. So that belt could mean the difference between getting a few bruises versus your body flying into the windscreen.

2. Put the mobile phone away

Learner and P drivers aren’t allowed to use phones at all while driving. The physical, visual and cognitive distraction leads to unsafe driving and increases the odds of a crash. Before starting the car, you must switch off your phone and put it out of reach. If you need to use the phone,  stop and park where using a mobile phone won’t be a danger to yourself or to other road users.

According to researchers, each time a driver writes and sends a text, his or her eyes are off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, enough time to drive the length of a rugby pitch. Remember it’s your job to watch the road when driving, and no one else can do it for you.

3. Stick to the speed limit

Speeding is the biggest killer of young drivers. Remember that there’s no pressure to keep up with other vehicles in traffic. Keeping to the speed limit will not only reduce the risk of an accident, but also help drivers avoid costly traffic fines that can affect car insurance premiums.

4. Don’t drink & drive

It’s easy to avoid the subject of alcohol and drugs, but turning a blind eye won’t make the issue go away. Australian law states that learners and probationary license-holders must have zero alcohol in their bloodstream while driving. That’s because even small amounts of alcohol in the bloodstream affects driving ability, and increases the risk of a serious or fatal accident. It’s best to set some expectations regarding drinking and driving up front. Establish a firm rule, and stick to it.

5. Sleep, then drive

Sleepiness impairs a person’s attention, working memory and coordination skills, all crucial for safe driving.

An estimated 15 per cent of crashes are caused by fatigued driving, according to road safety researcher Chris Watling. “Young drivers don’t view the dangers of drink driving and sleepy driving equally, despite the crash risks being similar.”

Тhe warning signs of sleep driving include: daydreaming, difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids and trouble keeping the head up. Иt’s OK to pull over for a 20-minute power nap, then get back on the road more rested.

6. Turn on your headlights

While it’s an obvious thing to do at night, having your headlights on during the day can make it easier for other drivers to see you. This can be particularly helpful during times when the sun affects visibility (e.g. driving in the early morning or evening). Road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson points out: “You can’t control the other drivers on the road. However, by having your lights on during the day, you can make sure other drivers see you before a collision takes place.”

7. Take fewer passengers

Once teenagers start taking passengers, they may be under pressure to drive differently than normal. This often means going too fast and making risky decisions. The best policy may be to restrict the number of teen passengers.