Tips and tricks: Little things make a big difference

The 3-Second Rule

Always try to keep a 3-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.

You can easily check the gap:

• Select an object on the road ahead (sign post, tree, etc.)
• When the car ahead passes that object, start counting: 1001, 1002, 1003.
• If you reach that same object before you finish counting, you're too close.

In wet conditions you should double the time to 6-seconds, as it will take you longer to slow down safely.

If you do this on a motorway at 100kph, you'll notice quite a large gap in front of your vehicle. Most likely the gap will be larger than that maintained by other motorists around you. Many road users follow far too closely on motorways.

If someone collides with you from behind, you'll also have a much better chance of avoiding a multi-car sandwich and getting squashed into the car ahead of you.

Why Tyres are So Important

Check your tyre pressures at least once per week. Incorrect tyre pressures can adversely affect your vehicle's handling; including steering, braking and acceleration.

Most servos have an air supply and pressure gauge. You can also purchase your own pump and/or guage from a reputable auto parts shop.

At any point in time, only a small part of your tyres are actually in contact with the road.

The weight of an average 4-door sedan is often in excess of 1.5 tonnes. Tyres are incredibly important to vehicle safety.

Always check your vehicle manual, inside front door (or swingarm on motorcycles) for recommended tyre pressures. Tyre pressures may differ between front and back. If in doubt, ask your mechanic.

Also ensure your tyres have adequate tred depth. The pattern on your tyres is responsible for removing the water in wet conditions to avoid your vehicle sliding all over the road uncontrollably.

Distractions can Cause Accidents

Distractions may include:

• Other passengers in the vehicle (including children, other adults and pets)
• Mobile phones, music players and other electronic devices
• Aggressive and abusive drivers
• Road-side accidents, large gatherings or other major events

A distraction is anything that competes for your attention to driving. You should keep your eyes on the road and mirrors.

It is easy when talking with someone in a vehicle to take your eyes of the road for a second. Consider that in one second you travel over 16 metres at 60 kilometres per hour.

When your attention is not on your driving you:

• have slower reactions
• make poor decisions
• may wander out of your lane
• brake more slowly
• are less observant of hazards

Park your vehicle safely before doing other things.