Tips – In South Australia drivers must take responsibility for their own action when behind the wheel of a Motor Vehicle. Driving on road is not an right it is a privilege and all drivers need to obey the road rules and drive to the road conditions at all times.
Suburban
Tips – South Australia drivers at times follow the vehicle in front of them to close then suddenly as the vehicle in front has to stop “smash” it ends up hitting the vehicle because it was to to close. By law you must maintain a safe gap of 3 seconds when following another vehicle and when driving in wet weather or poor visibility you may need to extend that distance out.
Adelaide Hills
Tips – When driving through the Adelaide hills beware of tailgating it happens quiet often the best practice is slow down slightly the following driver will get the message, or find a safe location and pull over and let them pass you. The information on following distances are good tips for driving.
Safe following distances
Leaving a Roundabout in South Australia
“where practical” you must give a left change of
Direction signal. Rule 118 South Australian Road rules clearly explains the rule.
When following this rule your telling other drivers what your intention is.
You must give way to all Vehicles on the roundabout.
Aim High in Steering
Tips – Look well ahead when driving your vehicle. Steer the vehicle using your lower fringe vision. Look in the direction you want the vehicle to go, especially in bends and corners.
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Tips – Don’t fix your eyes on any single object for more than about 2 seconds. Keep moving your eyes from object to object otherwise danger could threaten your vehicle from another source without you being aware of it.
Get the Big Picture
Tips -By moving your eyes, you are able to check the far distance, the middle distance and the near distance directly in front. In addition the mirror should be checked on average at least once every 10 to 12 seconds. This constant checking ensures that the driver is fully aware of everything that is going on around the vehicle.
Leave yourself an ‘out’
Tips -When driving, always have a plan of ‘escape’ should the traffic conditions quickly change. If a vehicle is tailgating, leave more space in front of your vehicle as this reduces your braking requirements. Offset your vehicle where possible to the vehicle travelling alongside. This allows space for other vehicles to ‘escape’ if they should swerve suddenly.
Make Sure Other Drivers See You
Tips -Look at the faces of other drivers to see if they are looking at you. Get eye contact with those other drivers. Use your signals in plenty of time so they are clearly understood. Position your vehicle in such a way to clearly show your intention (e.g.. when turning left). Where possible do not travel in blind spot areas of other vehicles. (When you are approaching from behind, if you can see the eyes of other drivers in their mirror they have a better chance of seeing you.)
Keep a Look Out for Bicycle Riders
Tips -The law requires all drivers to allow a minimum of 1 metre clearance, 1.5 meter’s if travelling over 60 km/h, when passing bicycle riders.
When you park on the side of a road, before opening the car door, look behind and over your right shoulder to check for bicycle riders.
One way to do this is to open the car door with your left hand, this is known as the Dutch Reach.
Mobile Phone use while driving
Tips – In South Australia it is against the law to use a Mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle.
If you are looking for further information please visit mylicence.sa.gov.au.
Rules of Observation
