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Published Oct 2024
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3 December, 2021
With the weather warm and the mood festive, there are some rules you may be more likely to break.
Summer weather brings us all outdoors to enjoy the endless blue skies and balmy nights. But we should be careful of becoming too relaxed about how we behave on or around our roads at this time.
Here are a few road rules you should keep in mind when outdoors or out on the road this summer.
RELATED:7 WA road rules you may not know »
Keep your arms, legs and other body parts inside the car
If you feel like turning the car’s air conditioner off and getting some fresh air, don’t be tempted to let any part of your body feel the breeze outside the window as you drive. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, no part of your body should protrude from the vehicle while it’s in motion. Road Traffic Code, Regulation 242 makes it an offence for drivers and passengers to allow their limbs to protrude beyond the vehicle, unless giving a prescribed signal.
Remember, it’s also illegal to ride in the back of a ute or any other flatbed vehicle. Passengers must occupy a seating position that is fitted with a seatbelt.
Don't buy services from windscreen washers at traffic lights
Those guys with squeegees waiting to wash your dusty windscreen at the traffic lights aren’t providing a community service – they’re breaking the law, creating a hazard for drivers and putting themselves in danger.
A person is not allowed to solicit contributions (including asking for money to clean your windscreen), ask for a ride from drivers, solicit employment, or offer a newspaper, periodical or magazine for sale to vehicle occupants.
Stick to the backyard for cricket
You may live on a quiet street, but that doesn’t mean the road in front of your house can become an extension of your front yard. Playing a game of cricket, or any game, on the road or any part of it puts you and your children in danger and is illegal. Anyone playing games on roads is liable for a fine.
Avoid the 'dink'
As a kid you may have enjoyed showing off your bicycle-handling skills by performing a ‘dink’, that is, carrying a second person on your bike, but don’t pass this trick on to your children. It’s not safe and it’s not legal. Unless it’s clearly a bicycle fit for two, there should only be one person riding at any time.
According to the Road Traffic Code, “a person shall not use a bicycle to carry, at any one time, more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped”.
Park your bicycle after a few drinks
Tempted to jump on your bicycle to avoid driving after some festive drinking? Drink-driving penalties apply if you choose to cycle rather than drive, even if you stick to cycle paths away from the road. It is an offence to ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both to an extent where the rider is incapable of proper control.
The same applies if you’re riding a horse or any animal; so don’t get in the saddle after a few at the local saloon.
Safe celebrations
It is, of course, one of the most important rules for any driver to observe at any time of year, but during the summer break and festive season, there can be many more temptations that may lead to drink driving. RAC reminds all motorists that alcohol is a major contributor to road crashes.
Assessing your risk and trying to estimate what your blood alcohol concentration might be is simply not worth the gamble. If you’re planning to drink, plan not to drive.
If you’re the designated driver during festive celebrations, ensure you and your passengers have buckled up, with seat belts correctly worn and clipped into place before you turn your attention to the task of driving.
