Every single car driver should know that pedestrian crossings are special places. With courtesy, slowing down to a crawl within close distance to schools, shopping areas, and city squares could avoid a catastrophe or a near miss. Stopping to allow people to cross the street is a courtesy that can help avoid tragic consequences of busy areas to pedestrian accidents.
Tailgating is still a leading cause of car accidents and can result in rear-end collisions, even during traffic jams, or in bad weather. The “three-to-five-second rule” allows the driver enough time to react to safely brake and avoid a collision. The conscious application of buffers helps tailgating drivers avoid last minute stops as well as the collisions that typically happen after tailgating.
Using an indicator is not the final decision to change lanes. It is also a way to communicate to other people using the road. During any lane change or turn, an indicator used well in advance helps avoid confusion and unsmooth lane changes. Most critical of all, during the approach of any emergency vehicle, calmly and clearly pull left to the side. Do not panic because that creates more danger and disorder.
Drivers should also understand that outside of roadworks, and at roadworks sites, drivers should follow constructs traffic signals. No guessing, or sprinting through yellow lights, which tends to get drivers injured or killed at a construction site, is allowed and should be avoided.
Balancing Speed for Safety
While no one loves a speeder, seeing someone driving at a snail’s pace is equally bothersome, too; there is something distinctly dangerous about driving that slow, as well. Remaining within the law and driving at a reasonable speed according to the existing weather, ability to see, and the volume of traffic behaves in a predictable and calming fashion to the traffic system.
Cultivating a Culture of Care
Driving safely in Australia mostly depends on the courtesy and attention of each individual driver. Any driver can heed these simple tricks and turn the roads from a battle zone to a place of cooperation; yielding with courtesy, signaling with confidence, and most importantly, giving way to pedestrians and emergency vehicles. These courtesies, if observed daily, will not only protect the driver’s life, but also will enhance the confidence of the community in each other as road users.