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Did you know that truck drivers have a very different experience when driving? Their blindspots are different, their turning circle is far larger and the sheer size of their vehicle means that they may not see you at all.
With so many more trucks on the road - how can you be a safer driver?
Here are a few tips for driving near trucks.
Give as much notice about when and where you want to turn
Big rigs need time to see you - but the driver also needs time to slow down or alter their course if they need to. This is more important the heavier the traffic is, so be sure to indicate or slow down as soon as you can. It’s also important to remember that coming to an abrupt stop will not give the truck driver enough time to bring their truck to a stop - and it will likely end up in an accident.
Be courteous and give the truck ample space to turn 
With a turning circle of a truck being so large, it’s just the courteous thing to do to hold back a bit and give the truck ample space to make their turn. So the next time you see a truck approaching a turn, be sure to stop a good distance before the intersection.
Be aware of the truck's blindspots
These are slightly different for trucks than for cars. Trucks have four main blindspots. They are directly in front of the truck, beside the driver’s door, the full length of the passenger side extending out three lanes, and 10 metres directly behind. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the truck's mirrors, then they can't see you - however, if you want to avoid an accident, remember to give the truck ample space, avoid tailgating and be courteous.
Be careful when merging
This is similar advice to giving the truck driver enough space to come to a stop - when merging remember that if you suddenly merge in front of the truck and then have to brake suddenly, the truck driver will not have enough time to properly react.
Not at fault after an accident? Contact our team, we’ll help you! 📞1300 889 256

Imagine driving along and suddenly coming up to an accident that's just happened - what should you do? It is rare, but it can happen that you arrive at an accident before any emergency vehicles. Should you stop or not? Here’s what you should do.
To stop or not to stop
This question is a tough one to answer as there are many things that will determine if you should stop. Do you feel confident enough stopping, is there a safe place to pull over and do you have any first aid training - if you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, then you should pull over and help.
Call 000 to get help
If you are first to an accident scene, it’s best to call 000 as soon as possible. Emergency services will be dispatched, and the call-takers are trained to tell you exactly what to do. Patients should not be moved until it’s deemed safe to do so - and professional emergency service personnel are equipped to assist with this. It’s also important to be aware of the accident scene around you - including potential hazards such as broken glass, broken power lines.
Do not direct traffic
Directing traffic can be quite dangerous and difficult, therefore it is advised to leave this to the emergency services, in particular police. If you have an emergency triangle or cone in your car, you can put it out to warn traffic.
How the accident can affect you and what happens afterwards
Seeing an accident happen or even just seeing an accident scene can affect some people. It can be a traumatic experience. Everyone is different, but some of the reactions can include panic attacks, depression, anger, flashbacks and sleep disturbance.

Were you not at fault? Then keep reading! 
One of the most common questions after an accident - especially if it was not your fault - is should you seek legal advice? And while it’s not always necessary - there can sometimes be a dispute and having that legal assistance can be beneficial to your case.
If you’re unsure of your rights or the process to follow - and you’re not at fault, then there are benefits to getting that legal assistance.
You may actually be in the wrong
Fault is incredibly important to determine as it determines liability - however, fault is sometimes more tricky to determine than you think. While most accidents are simple and fault is clearly visible, it’s important to seek assistance from the experts. 
Guidance with your insurance claim
Do you know your rights after an accident that was not your fault? Seeking assistance will help you to find out your eligibility for an accident replacement vehicle and legal guidance on your insurance claim so that you can resume your daily life.
Expert advice to ensure you’re not exploited
With so many parties generally involved in an insurance claim, it can quickly feel like you’ve lost advantage or that you aren’t completely in the loop. Having an expert on your team will ensure that your case is dealt with properly.
If you’re not at fault then give our team a call - we’ll help you. You shouldn’t be left out of pocket and inconvenienced - our team has experience in handling these types of insurance claims, and aims to get you the best deal.
📞1300 889 256

How often do you check your blind spots? Sure, you probably know where they are - but do you actively check your blind spots while driving?
Here are a few quick tips to get you ahead of your blind spot troubles
Take a moment to gauge where your blindspots are 
While stationary, take a moment to look around your car. In the normal driving position, look straight ahead and then glance to the back of your vehicle using your rear view and side mirrors. Now look around without using your mirrors taking note of what you didn't catch sight of in your initial test. 
Keep your side mirrors and windows clean
Dirty side mirrors can add potential danger. 
Continuously check your blind spots
While you’re on the move, it's important to continuously check your blind spots. Such instances that would be more critical would include changing lanes, merging or joining major highways.
Be aware that other drivers also have blindspots
The drivers around you may not be paying attention to their blindspots, so if you catch yourself in a potential blindspot of another driver, be aware and more defensive in your driving strategy.
Maintain a safe distance while driving
Get help in determining fault
Accidents happen - if you feel like you were not at fault and need expert help in handling your case, then our team can help you. 
Not at fault? Contact our team, we’ll help you 📞1300 889 256

Accidents can sometimes happen as a result of one or more of the drivers not seeing each other - and this may play a factor in many motorcycle accidents. So how should you drive when a motorcycle is around?
Motorcycles may just appear
Perhaps you’ve had a momentary loss of focus or maybe they have weaved their way through traffic to be right next to you - but motorcycles may just suddenly appear. It’s important to not get a fright if you suddenly see a motorcyclist near you, but rather keep driving the way you were.
Allow motorcyclists to overtake or to pass you
It’s so easy for a motorcycle to weave through traffic. Accidents can happen if you try to cut in front of a motorcyclist or refuse to allow them to overtake. As always, it’s good to be kind to all motorists on the road.
Take extra caution when changing lanes
A split second to double check your mirrors and blind spots may just be all it takes to catch a glimpse of an approaching motorcycle. 
Be clear about your decisions and movements
Using your indicator helps other motorists to know what your plan of action is - and it’s no different for motorcyclists. Seeing your indicator can help them to make a call on either overtaking you or slowing down in their approach to your car. Jerky lane switches and sudden turning can cause unnecessary accidents.
Not at fault? Contact our team, we’ll help you. 📞1300 889 256

If you’re not at fault after an accident, then you shouldn’t be inconvenienced - or left out of pocket. We will help you. Carbiz offers accident management services - services designed to make your life easier after an accident. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident via our dedicated accident support line. 
Here are some of the benefits of using our service. 

Accident replacement vehicle drop off service

“I was met at panelbeaters so easy transfer after dropping off my car then straight into hire car. It took a while to get used to driving it as my car is bigger. Hopefully I won’t be requiring a hire car for a while but wouldn’t hesitate using them again and recommending to friends.” - P Hadden

Easy and simple process.

“The car was delivered clean and on time. Paperwork was quick and easy. Good service.” - Mario PV

24/7 service

“The service was excellent!! I got the car within 2 hours after lodging my request... and it was on a Sunday!! Thank you Carbiz!! “ - Georgia

Amazing customer service.

“Oh wow. I am totally amazed by the customer service provided to me by Triffon from Carbiz. He was so thorough in explaining the end to end process and expectations. I was amazed that the entire process was so easy. To all out there, I highly recommend that you will have a great experience when dealing with Carbiz.
My personal thanks to Carbiz for a great, fantastic, out of this world customer service.” - Edwin
“Excellent service. Angela is so helpful and Carbiz was willing to take the risk even without the third party's accepting the fault to lease the replacement car and working to claim back from the third party afterwards, this is service above and beyond, and I would recommend their service to anyone”. - William

Local accident support call line.

“What a refreshing change rather than having to deal with an overseas call centre. Excellent service from professionals and courteous team members. Highly recommended.” - Marcus Heron

Like for like accident replacement vehicle until your car is fixed.

“I had to make some changes to the pick up time of my rental, bringing it forward by several hours. Ben was extremely helpful and made this happen. I also had no idea what rental I would be given (and would have been happy with anything) but I was dropping my new C class Mercedes off for repairs due to a not at fault accident. My surprise when I was given a new C class, same year and specs as my own was huge. It was a really pleasant surprise. Thanks for the hard work.”  - Robert

The more you drive, the more you will probably notice bad driving behaviours of the drivers around you. While it can be frustrating - and maybe even enraging, it’s important to keep a cool head. 
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when you encounter that bad driver.
Accept that some drivers will just be bad drivers
Accepting that bad driving behaviours may just be a way of life will definitely help calm your reaction to the situation. Having a better frame of mind will help you to avoid their mistakes and hopefully - avoid that accident.
Don’t take it too personally
Whether it is another driver just not paying attention, or an aggressive driver taking out his frustrations on you, it’s incredibly important not to take any of it too personally. 
Life happens - it may just be affecting the other driver that day
Receiving bad news, having a fight with a loved one or having problems at work can all affect someone’s mood. Bad driving can sometimes be attributed to these types of events - life happens after all! Be kind to those around you.
Remember - it won't last forever!
Being around a bad driver will only last a few seconds - or a couple of minutes max. Remember to leave it there, dwelling on it or remembering the incident days or weeks later will most likely just upset you!
Unfortunately, bad drivers can lead to accidents - and you may not even be at fault! Carbiz is now available to help you nationally, so if you are in Australia give our team a call.
Been in an accident that was not your fault? Contact our team, we’ll help you 📞1300 889 256

Driving can always be risky, but with experience and constant awareness, you can be a safer driver. Here are some other tips to keep in mind the next time you go for a drive.
Always keep a safe distance
Leaving a safe distance between you and the car in front of you may just be enough to prevent a nose to tail accident. Fender benders aren’t fun - so leaving this 2 second or more gap will give you enough time to avoid any potential disaster.
Be aware of the weather conditions
Glare from the early morning or late afternoon sun, fog, rain or driving in the dark all affect your reaction times. If you find yourself in any of these situations, rather slow down or pull over and take a break.
Be clear on your decisions and use your indicator - always
Being clear on your decisions will help those drivers around you. Indicating early and being in control of your movements will help in making you a safer driver. Last-minute decisions, such as cutting in front of other drivers or swerving to make a turn can lead to potentially serious accidents.
Avoid being distracted
It only takes a split second of broken concentration to cause an accident. From using your cellphone, figuring out where to go - to even listening to your radio, there are endless distractions.
Stay calm
Keeping your emotions in check while driving can instantly make you a safer driver. Being a courteous driver can keep you out of dangerous situations.