Sure you’ve heard it before - distracted driving is dangerous. There are always awareness campaigns outlining the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding or even fatigued driving - but have you ever considered that you should never do this when driving?
Speed does kill - but did you know driving well below the indicated speed limit is also very dangerous. This is because other drivers may get confused with you - and may potentially even see your car as a stationary object.
Did you know braking while cornering can be very dangerous? Braking can push your tyres beyond their limits, causing loss of traction and control of your vehicle. Rather brake before you start to corner.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents - distractions from mobile phones is well known but attempting to deal with a stray insect is just as dangerous.
Road rage can be just as bad as drunk driving - stress, anger and anxiety can lower your inhibitions and increase your likelihood of giving in to risky behaviours such as speeding.
Have you ever driven past an accident and taken a sneaky peak? This dangerous behaviour may just land you in a bit of trouble yourself! Even that second of lost focus can lead to an accident
Quickly taking your eyes off of the road to grab something out of your glovebox can have serious consequences - sure it sounds like a small enough task to do while driving, but in that split second something on the road can change. Rather get what you need when you have stopped.
When last did you consciously consider the rules of the road while driving? Unless you are especially new to driving, the answer is probably not in a while. Maybe you have an excellent memory or perhaps you’re a seasoned driver, no matter your background, it’s important to regularly check the current road rules before heading out.
When driving on a road without lane markings and the number of lanes reduces, you must allow vehicles ahead of you to merge. On the other hand, if you are travelling in a marked lane which is ending and you are required to merge, you must give way to the traffic travelling in the lane being entered.
Did you know that you must not use your high beams if another vehicle is travelling within 200m behind, or 200m ahead of you.
Unless it is unsafe to stop, you must stop at a yellow light.
Did you know that school zones are still in operation and enforceable during pupil free days?
If you are turning at an intersection, and a pedestrian is crossing the road into which you are turning (where there is no pedestrian crossing) , you must give way. This applies at intersections but not at roundabouts.
You need to ensure a safe following distance between yourself and the car in front of you. The rule indicates that you should drive at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. A safe following distance depends on your speed, the weather, road conditions and the type of vehicle you are driving.
Many Australians still don’t actually know about the fact that if you are in a multi-vehicle accident and you were not at fault, then you don’t have to go without a car while yours is being repaired. This right to drive is not often spoken about, but it is important in assisting you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
You read right - a “free” hire car while yours is in the shop being repaired. And what’s more, you are eligible for a like for like loan car - our team works hard at making sure you get the best deal, not the insurance company involved.
You’re probably wondering about how this all works - there’s no trick involved and no complicated process filled with red tape and massive delays. The steps following your car accident are actually pretty simple.
Our team services the greater Sydney area. It’s best to contact us as soon as possible after a not at fault car accident. With our simplified process, we are geared to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
While a car accident is probably the last thing you prepare for - or want to happen - there is one silver lining that is not often spoken about. That is that when you are not at fault, you are eligible for an accident replacement car at no cost to yourself - in fact, the cost of such is covered by the driver at fault or their insurance company. So while Carbiz is busy attending to getting you back on the road, all you have to worry about is where your next journey will take you.
There are some other benefits to accident replacement vehicles, especially when our team is assisting you - here are a few.
Our team will drop off your loan vehicle to a location that suits you. We know you’ve got a lot to do - and our team is ready to help you.
Accidents don’t always happen during business hours. With our accident support line, you will be able to reach our team as soon as you need the help.
If you’re not at fault, you are eligible for a loan car that is similar to your own. There are many benefits of like for like accident replacement vehicles but the most important one is that you are able to get back on the road with as little inconvenience as possible.
The costs associated with your accident replacement vehicle are covered by the driver at fault - and provided that you are not at fault, you will not be liable.
If you’re not at fault, then you have the right to drive. After your accident, we’ll help you by
Contact our team, we'll help you ? 1300 889 256
Accidents are often the result of a split second error in judgement. Don’t get stuck in a situation that was not your fault. A regular review of safety tips while driving may just save you a heartache of trouble.
Every car is slightly different - take a moment to locate all of the features such as which side the indicators are. If it's the first time in the driver's seat, it's crucial to adjust the seat to the perfect driving position as well as to make sure you can see all of your blind spots through the mirrors. If you find yourself in a sticky situation that could potentially lead to an accident that’s not your fault, these initial prep steps may just save you.
Weather conditions can drastically affect how you drive. Wet weather can lead to some pretty dangerous situations - the best advice? Take it easy and slow down. During wet weather, avoid braking suddenly and keep a safe driving distance between you and the car in front.
Trucks and trucks with tanks or trailers can take up a lot of space when turning. Remember to give them a bit of extra space - or even a full extra lane if you see one turning. Trucks are big and cumbersome - it’s important to remember that if you can’t see their mirrors then the driver cannot see you. Avoid an accident with the truck by giving extra space around you.
It’s an important reminder to always keep a lookout for emergency vehicles - they can operate with sirens and lights or just lights. If you notice one around you, slow down and give way.
Have you ever driven someone else’s car and realised just how different the driving experience is?
Here are a few tips to success for driving a different car
If you’re used to driving a hatchback but hire a sedan then you need to be aware of the length difference from the back window to the end of the back bumper - this is crucial to remember while reversing.
Especially important for parallel parking or when parking in front of another car, how you access the boot may be impacted by the type of car you’re driving. This can be essential if you are driving a hatchback that needs more room for the back door to open all the way.
If you’re used to driving an automatic car and hire a manual car, then there’s quite a steep learning curve - even if you used to drive that manual! And if you are used to changing those gears and get an auto accident replacement vehicle, there are a few things that may surprise you - such as the auto hill start assist.
Every car has a slightly different way of placing things. Such as the location of the indicator switch - either on the left or right depending on the manufacturer. While the function of indicators, windscreen wipers and lights will always be the same or similar, the location may vary - be sure to take a moment to check this before you head out.
Habits - things you do without really thinking about it. Many driving habits are often just overlooked with no consideration to how they could lead to an accident. Don’t let these simple habits lead to an accident that was your fault.
We all lead busy lives. With so many distractions, we’ve been conditioned to constantly multitask to get things done. This is no different while driving. Listening to music or podcasts, calling up your next appointment or eating your lunch are all dangerous distractions that keep your concentration off of the road.
Between head checks, mirror checks and blind spot checks, it can all take a lot of time. These simple checks can help you avoid most accidents.
Tailgating, or driving too close to the car in front of you is illegal - and really dangerous. By driving too close to the car in front of you, you aren’t leaving enough space to brake suddenly should you need to.
Have you ever caught yourself needing to quickly check on the kids in the back? Perhaps you’ve even done this while driving. Such a split second decision can lead to dire consequences.
Avoiding these simple driving habits could save you from an accident that is not your fault. Need help after a car accident? Call our team as soon as possible, we’ll help you.
Good braking techniques make up the foundation of your driving skills. Here are a few key braking points to remember when in both normal driving and emergency situations.
Scanning the road ahead and constantly maintaining attention on the rules of the road are necessary in determining your ideal stopping area. The key to preventing a situation that is out of your control is allowing enough time to brake smoothly.
Besides ensuring that you are constantly aware of the distance in front of you - it's crucial that you make sure that there is enough road to brake. The ideal braking distance will change depending on road conditions, weather and other wheel specific factors. Avoid an accident that is not your fault by being aware of the changes in braking conditions.
Where do you keep your foot while driving? Another key point is where you place your foot when approaching a situation that you may not be in control of. Covering the brake with your foot during these situations may reduce your reaction time. Quicker reaction time? Anything can help reduce your potential of being in a car accident.
Knowing that other drivers on the road may not be as skilled at braking as you, or maybe more distracted while driving than you, is important to remember. At all times it is important to be aware of not only your situation but also of the cars around you and their driving situation.
Need help after an accident that was not your fault? Contact our team, we’ll help you.