Safe driving

9 December 2022

The two most important things you can influence, when it comes to road safety, are the condition of your vehicle and your ability to drive it with care and concentration. 

Maintaining your car or motorcycle, commercial or truck in optimum condition is a partnership involving you and your local repairer. 

You should regularly conduct a visual check of your vehicle, looking for tyre wear, and whether your seatbelts, lights (including indicators and brake lights) are correctly functioning, and if there is any dangerous body or windscreen damage.

It’s vital you also keep your vehicle serviced and maintained by a trusted automotive technician. 

A thorough professional inspection using up-to-date specialist equipment can detect dangerous deficiencies, like worn brake pads and leaking brake lines, degraded suspension components, and misaligned wheels.

Before driving, ensure your seat is in a comfortable position and your feet and hands can easily operate the pedals, steering wheel, and handbrake.

Check the position of the interior and exterior mirrors and pay special attention if towing.

When on the road, obey all speed and traffic signage. Keep a safe distance (this means several car lengths or more, depending on your speed), be courteous, be patient, and try to anticipate the actions of other road users.

Consider enrolling in an advanced driver training course. Actively participating in motorsport events is also a great way to improve your driving skills – if that’s your thing. 

Importantly, keep learning. Road safety is not everyone else’s responsibility. It is yours. So, ensure you and your vehicle are roadworthy. 

Words: VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun on 9 December 2022.