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.