SAFE DRIVING

Don't drive so close to me...

Being too close to the car in front of you can be dangerous - especially if the driver decides to stop or turn suddenly. If you are too close you won't have time to react and stop before either hitting the car in front or swerving and maybe hitting something else.

The distance it takes to stop depends on the speed you are travelling and the road conditions. Stopping will take longer when you are travelling faster, on wet or icy roads, or on gravel or dirt roads.

How long does it take to stop?

On average, in the best driving conditions, at 60km/h it takes 45 metres to stop. At 50km/h takes 35 metres - that's 10 metres shorter, which could be the difference between avoiding a hazard or having a crash.

The two second rule

As you increase your speed, you need to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you - by at least two seconds. It's called the ‘two second' rule.

It works like this. Pick something such as a roadside post or road marking and when the rear of the vehicle in front passes it, start counting; one thousand, two thousand...

If you reach your selected object before you finish saying two thousand, you're too close, so it's time to back off.

Always give yourself more room than you think you'll need. It's better to be safe than smashed.

Help other drivers keep their cool

The busier the road, the more drivers have to rely on each other to do the right thing, so you can help by:

• Not blocking intersections
• Using traffic indicators to allow plenty of warning
• Giving way to others when pulling out
• Not following too closely
• Changing lanes correctly
• Not driving too slowly in the overtaking lane
• Letting others merge into the traffic
• Using your horn only when it is really necessary to warn someone.

Keep your cool

Aggressive drivers can be unsafe and increase your risk on the roads.

Fortunately there are actions you can take to avoid confronting aggressive drivers, these include:

• Keeping your own cool.
• If you make a mistake while driving, admit it and try to signal you are sorry.
• If another driver makes a mistake or becomes aggressive, do not take it personally and don't retaliate.

Instead:

• If the other driver is ahead, increase the gap between you and the other car.
• If the other driver is tailgating you, maintain a steady speed or pull over in a safe place and let them pass.
• If you are very concerned, drive to a police station or stop by a police patrol car.
• Don't get out of your car.

Assault is a criminal offence and Victoria Police are on the lookout for aggressive drivers.

You can be jailed for up to 10 years for reckless driving, or up to 15 years for intentionally causing serious injury.

Country driving, moo've over

Sometimes, there's nothing quite as appealing as a relaxing country drive. And that's the secret to country driving - relax, be patient, concentrate and don't hurry. Enjoy the experience, even if you do arrive a few minutes later.

If you haven't driven in the country a lot, give yourself a good safety margin. That means allow plenty of room when overtaking. Always stay on your side of the road - especially on winding roads though hills.

Expect the unexpected - that cow standing still by the side of the road could decide to wander out in front of you. What will you do? Always try to anticipate things that may happen and have a plan in case it does. In this case it may be as simple as slowing down until you have passed the cow.

SAFE CAR

Buy a safe car

Safety should be the most important factor for every car buyer. The safest vehicles are those which will best protect you should you have a crash or help you to avoid having one in the first place.

You'll find a list of new and used cars and their independently assessed safety ratings at www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au.

Drive a safely maintained car

Whatever car you drive, make sure that it's serviced regularly and that it's roadworthy.

For example, worn wiper blades or a dirty windscreen can reduce your vision (especially when heading into the sun) to the point where driving can become dangerous.

Good tyres inflated to the correct pressure can reduce braking distance - and improve fuel economy too. Check you car‘s manual or ask a mechanic.

These are just two examples - there are many more. If you don't know how to maintain your car, ask your mechanic for advice.

For more information visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/vehiclesafety.

SPEED

What is a safe speed?

Speed is a major contributing factor to crashes and road deaths.

Driving too fast doesn't just mean exceeding the speed limit. There are times when, because of road conditions such as rain or poor visibility, it is necessary to drive below the speed limit.

For more information visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/SpeedingAndSafety/.

PASSENGERS

Passengers

For inexperienced drivers, passengers increase the risk of a crash. And the more passengers you have, the higher the risk. Some studies have suggested that having three or more passengers gives you a crash risk factor equivalent to having a 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

So, if you're tempted to load up on passengers, especially at night when driving is more dangerous anyway, think of each one as an alcoholic drink...and get a taxi or use public transport instead.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND FATIGUE

Alcohol and drugs

Driving is dangerous enough without lowering your driving ability - and that's what alcohol and drugs do.

In Victoria random roadside testing applies for both alcohol and drugs.

For more information visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/DrugsAlcohol/.

Getting tired?

Drivers should stop every two hours for a break and to take a 15 minute powernap if feeling tired.

Watch out for yawns, tired eyes, long blinks, wandering concentration, eyes playing ‘tricks', head nodding, irritability, hitting lane marker lines and more. These are some of the signs that you need to stop driving - now!

Never drive at times when you would normally be asleep. And remember the only cure for fatigue is sleep.

For more information visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/Fatigue/.

CRASH SCENE

Crash scenes

If you see a crash and it's being attended to, don't slow down and gawk. You'll only contribute to another traffic hazard.

If you are involved in a crash, or at a crash scene, remember that they are very hazardous places. Be concerned for the continued safety of yourself and other people - especially from other vehicles passing.

This is what you do:

• Stop immediately.
• Turn on hazard lights, indicator and headlights to warn other traffic and light the scene at night.
• Assign someone to warn oncoming traffic, if possible.
• Help any injured people.
• In an emergency dial 000 (or 112 on some mobiles) and alert police and ambulance if necessary.
• Ensure drivers have exchanged names, addresses, insurance and vehicle details.
• Clear any debris from the road.