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Safe driving tips

When drivingBMW

  • Avoid conflict. Other drivers will make mistakes, show restraint and stay calm.
  • Don't respond to challenges, avoid sudden swerving, acceleration or braking.
  • Have patience when merging and allow others to merge. Avoid cutting in on other drivers
  • Don't tailgate. Allow at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front.
  • Remember the faster the speed the more time you need to stop.
  • If you make a mistake, say sorry to other drivers and say thanks if they are courteous to you.
  • If other drivers show aggression, avoid eye contact and proceed as if nothing has happened. Keep well clear of a vehicle being driven in an erratic or unsafe way.
  • If you do experience a road rage incident, stay calm, get the details of the offending vehicle and drive to the nearest police station to report the incident. If you feel that you are being followed and are unfamiliar with the area, go to a public place (busy street, shopping centre etc).
  • If your car is stationary (ie at traffic lights) and another road user is threatening you, ensure your doors are locked and the windows are up. Apologise, even if you don't feel you are in the wrong, it may help to diffuse the situation.
  • Always park in a well-lit area and reverse into the parking spot if possible, to allow for an easy exit.
  • Have your keys ready when you return to the vehicle.
  • If your vehicle has remote control central locking, it's a good idea to have it so that it only opens the driver's door.
  • Don't carry any kind of defensive weapon, as it may be used against you.
  • Be aware of what is happening around you at all times.
  • Try to keep a mobile phone with you at all times for use in an emergency.

Here are some simple safety tips to keep in mind:

Courtesy

  • Be courteous and considerate to other road users.
  • Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Obey the rules of the road.
  • Know your capabilities and drive within them.

Car maintenance

  • Have your vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.
  • A vehicle in sound mechanical order is a safe vehicle.

Maintain the gap

  • Maintain a two-second gap between your car and the car in front.
  • The gap should be greater in adverse weather or visibility conditions.
  • If you are overtaken, give them room to pull in.

Keep left

  • Keep to the left, unless you are overtaking.

Indicate early

  • Indicate at least 30 metres before you intend to turn, be aware of other road users and signal your intentions.

Anticipate

  • Anticipate traffic flow. Position yourself in the correct lane in plenty of time.
  • Avoid sharp braking and accelerating.
  • Learn to read the road and drive smoothly.

Road signs

  • Understand the road signs and obey them.
  • Always stop behind the white line at stop signs.
  • Stop for amber lights unless it is unsafe to do so.

Overtaking

  • Don't overtake unless you are certain that the road ahead is clear.
  • Don't overtake if you are approaching a crest, curve, intersection or a pedestrian, school or railway crossing.
  • It is unlawful to cross a continuous white centre line.

Night driving

  • It is more difficult to see and be seen at night.
  • Adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
  • Watch out for wildlife at night.

Speeding

  • Speeding is a major cause of road accidents, drive within the speed limit at all times.
  • Observe the 40km/h limit in school zones.
  • If you are unsure of the road, slow down.

Drink driving

  • Driving and alcohol don't mix.
  • If you are going out for the evening and intend to drink, leave your car at home or nominate a non-drinker to drive.
  • WA Drug & Alcohol Office.
  • Drug Aware.

Drugs and driving

  • Being under the influence of more than one drug, including alcohol, puts you at even more risk of having a car crash.
  • A driver may not realise jut how much their driving ability is affected until they're in a situation where it's tested.
  • WA Department of Health.
  • Drug Aware.

Fatigue

  • If you are going on a long trip, get a good night's sleep beforehand.
  • Avoid driving late at night, when you would normally be sleeping.
  • Don't drive if you are tired or feel stressed.
  • Take regular breaks while driving and be aware of the symptoms of fatigue (sore or tired eyes, discomfort, boredom or highway hypnosis).

Seat belts

  • Wear your seat belts, it's the law.
  • Ensure your passengers are securely restrained and be especially aware of the need to properly restrain children.

Concentrate

  • Don't become distracted by your passengers or what is happening around you.
  • Watch the road ahead and be aware of potential hazards.

Slow down

  • Leave plenty of time for emergencies (punctures, accidents etc).
  • The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to hazards.