• Alcohol

• Drugs, medicine and driving

• The law about seat belts

• Speed limits

• Road signs

• Road markings

• Traffic controls at intersections

• Give Way rules

• Turning

• Freeways

• Sharing the road safely

• Parking

• Penalties

• Legal responsibilities

• Crash responsibilities

• First aid after a crash

• Test yourself questions

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Rules and responsibilities4

65

4So what are the rules of driving? There is more to driving than just knowing the road rules.However, knowing the basic roadrules is essential.

As a car passenger, you should bewatching drivers and trafficpatterns, noticing mistakes otherroad users make.

In the diagrams shown in thissection, the vehicles are colouredgreen and red. In all cases, the red vehicle B must wait for thegreen vehicle A.

The rules listed here are only asummary of some of the road rulesmotorists must know. For moreinformation visit our homepage: at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au You can also purchase a copy of Road Rules – Victoria, or therelevant Acts and Regulations (see Resources to help you, page 175). Road law,

it’s more than

what you

know…it’s

how you use

it that is so

important

Rules and responsibilities

ALCOHOL

Learner and probationary

drivers must not drive with

any alcohol in their blood.

This zero BAC also applies

to all restricted motorcycle

licence holders, drivers of

taxis, buses and other

large vehicles, professional

driving instructors and

some full licence holders

who have previously had

a drink driving conviction.

All other full licence

holders must be less than

.05 BAC.

The effects ofalcohol on driving

Alcohol affected drivers:

• feel overconfident resulting in risk taking on the road

• are often unaware of the levelof their driving impairment

• have slower reflexes and muscle co-ordination making it less likely that the driver will be able to stop or swervein an emergency

• are less able to process information and make appropriate decisions as theirvision, hearing and brain are all adversely affected.

A driver who has been drinkingstruggles to accurately judgespeeds and distances and willoften fail to respond to potential

BLOOD ALCOHOLCONCENTRATION (BAC)is a measure of the amount of alcohol youhave in your blood. It is measured by thenumber of grams of alcohol in 100 millilitresof blood.

For example, a BAC of .05 means .05 grams or 50 milligrams of alcohol in every100 millilitres of blood.

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dangers in the trafficenvironment. The ability tocope with more than one thingat a time is greatly reduced (forexample, steer a course within alane, respond to traffic signalsand avoid a pedestrian whosuddenly steps onto the road).

What are the risks

RELATIVE CHANCE OFCRASHING AT VARIOUS BACS

The risk of being involved in acrash increases dramatically ifthe driver has been drinkingalcohol. The graph shows theaverage relationship betweenthe risk of having an accidentand the amount of alcohol inthe blood. For inexperienceddrivers the risk at any BAClevel will be even higher.

Factors affecting BAC

Alcohol affects different peoplein different ways and can evenaffect the same person ondifferent occasions in differentways. You can drink the sameamount of alcohol on differentdays and have different BACreadings each time.

Some of the factors that lead toa different BAC include:

• gender – a woman drinking the same amount of alcohol as a man of a similar size will have a higher BAC

• body size – a person of small build will have a higher BAC than a larger person drinkingthe same amount of alcohol

• food consumption – food slows down the absorption ofalcohol so, if you have not had a substantial meal beforedrinking, you will reach a higher BAC more quickly

• rate of drinking and the typesof alcohol consumed – the quicker you drink and the greater the alcoholic content of the drink, the sooner you will reach a higher BAC

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BAC (BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION)

RISK

OF A

CC

IDEN

TS

30

25

20

15

10

5

0.02 .04 .06 .08 .10 .12 .14 .16

• general health – if you are in poor health, your liver is less effective in dealing with the alcohol you drink

• use of other drugs – combining alcohol with drugs increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes even if the alcohol is consumed in small doses.

The effect of alcohol can alsoexaggerate the mood you arein, and make you feel moretired if you are already tired.

Only time reduces your BAC level

Your body takes time to get ridof alcohol. No amount of coffee,exercise, cold showers, freshair or vomiting will help. Whilstthese may make you feel morealert, they don’t change the

amount of alcohol in yourbloodstream or speed up theprocessing of the alcohol byyour liver. The liver does this inits own time.

It is important toremember that if youhave a lot to drink the

night before, you are likely to stillhave alcohol in your blood thenext morning.

If you are having a party, helpyour guests to avoid drinkingand driving.

How to avoiddrinking and driving

• Plan ahead. It is more difficult to plan how to get home if you have had alcoholto drink – remember, your judgement will be impaired.

So work out your travel arrangements before you start drinking.

• Share a taxi with friends.

• Take public transport.

• Organise with a friend to taketurns driving. You and your friend will need to agree not to drink when driving.

• Organise to stay the night.

• Arrange to be picked up by a relative or friend who hasn’t been drinking.

Public breath tester

You can measure your BAClevel by using a public breathtester. These are located insome hotels and are useful todetermine your BAC level. You would need to do this anumber of times to get an idea

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of what BAC your usual patternof drinking leads to, and howlong it takes for your BAC toreturn to zero. Do not attemptto do this if you are intending to drive.

If you drive after drinkingyour driving will suffer –so remember, the safest

BAC is zero even when you have afull licence.

Breath testing procedures

Police can request the driver ofa vehicle to undergo a breathtest at any time. There aremany breath testing stations orbooze buses patrolling Victorianroads. You may also be stoppedby police in other vehicles andasked to undergo a breath test.Thousands of drivers arerandomly tested every week.

You will be asked to blow into asmall device. It will immediatelygive an indication of the alcoholin your blood – if any. If youhaven’t been drinking there isno problem. If you have apositive result, you will beasked to do a second test onanother breath testinginstrument. This reading will beused as evidence if you are overthe legal limit.

Drivers admitted to hospitalafter any kind of road crash arerequired to provide a breathtest or allow a blood sample tobe taken.

Penalties

The penalties for exceeding theBAC laws are tough - regardlessof whether you are a learner

permit driver or a full driver.Learner and probationarydrivers who record a BACreading between zero and .05will have their permit or licencesuspended for at least one month.If you record a BAC of .05 orover you will lose your licencefor at least 6 months for a firstoffence. For a BAC higher than.10 the periods are longer. Heavyfines can also be imposed.

REFUSING A BREATH TEST IS AN OFFENCE.Your licence will becancelled and you will be disqualified from driving for at least 2 years if convicted.

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HOT TIP

DRUGS, MEDICINEAND DRIVINGMedicines and illegal drugsthat can affect safe drivingare detected in over 25% ofVictorian driver fatalities. In Victoria it is an offenceto drive a motor vehiclewhile impaired by a drug. In2003, the law waschanged to also allowpolice to undertakeroadside saliva testing ofdrivers and riders, todetect the presence ofspeed (methamphetamine)and THC, the activeingredient of cannabis,which indicates recentcannabis use. Driving withthese drugs in the blood orsaliva is an offence andpenalties (including licenceloss) will apply.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs such as ecstasy,cannabis (marijuana) andheroin can affect your ability tosafely control a vehicle.

Drugs like speed or ecstasy canmake you feel as if you are abetter driver. Unfortunately, asyour confidence goes up, yourdriving skills go down, makingyou a danger to yourself andeveryone else on the road.It is extremely dangerous whenthe effect wears off, as you arelikely to experience sudden,uncontrollable sleep.

Some illegal drugs presentspecial problems. Cannabis, forexample, can make you unableto respond quickly enough towhat other drivers are doing.This can have serious

consequences – for instance,having to stop suddenly or torespond to the actions of othervehicles or pedestrians. Yourability to concentrate andmaintain attention, makedecisions and to react tounexpected events is greatlyreduced. Important road signsmay be missed.

In an emergency situation, therisk of a crash is increased, andyour ability to avoid the crash isreduced. Combining even smallamounts of cannabis andalcohol causes much greaterimpairment than either one onits own.

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Medicines

Many prescription medicinesand some medicines boughtover the counter from apharmacist can impair yourdriving and increase the risk ofcrashes by affecting your:

• mood

• concentration

• coordination, and

• reaction time.

Some examples of prescriptionmedications that can affectdriving are:

• sleeping tablets

• muscle relaxants

• sedatives

• antihistamines (such as in hay fever or cold and flu medicines)

• some strong painkillers.

Not everyone will experiencethe effects of a drug in thesame way. When you startusing a new medicine whichmay affect your driving, it isbest not to drive until youunderstand and haveexperienced what effect itactually has on you. Mostmedicines have no effect onsafe driving. Your doctor orpharmacist will be able to giveyou advice about this.

How to reduce the risk of acrash when on medication

• Do not use alcohol with your medicines.

• Keep to the prescribed doses.

• Do not treat yourself with additional medicines or otherremedies. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not use other people’s medicines.

• Read the labels on all your medicines and heed their advice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if the label on your medicine statesthat the medicine may cause drowsiness.

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If you’re out of

shape, your

driving will be

as well

If you are worried aboutthe effect that yourmedicine has on your

driving, stop your driving – notyour medicine!

Stop driving and contact yourdoctor or pharmacist if yourmedicine:

• affects your reflexes

• affects your ability to concentrate

• makes you sleepy or drowsy

• gives you blurred or double vision.

If you have to continue to usemedication that affects yourdriving in some way, plan aheadbefore you drive, or usealternative transport such astaxis or public transport, or callon a friend to drive you.

THE LAW ABOUTSEAT BELTS

Wearing a seat belt is the

most effective measure for

reducing serious injury in a

crash. It is because seat

belts are so effective that

all drivers and passengers

should wear a seat belt

or appropriate restraint

regardless of where they

sit in the vehicle. This

includes children and

pregnant women.

Seat belts must be

securely fastened and

properly adjusted if they

are to do their job in a

crash. You should never

put more than one person

in a restraint.

Adult seat belts are not

designed to protect small

bodies in a crash. Children

need restraints that

specifically fit their size

and weight.

It is illegal to travel in the

load area of any vehicle

(for example a van or station

wagon) unless using a

properly constructed seat

and correctly fitting seat

belt or child restraint.

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Children

Drivers must ensure that:

• babies under one year old arecarried in an approved child restraint, correctly installed and adjusted to fit the baby

• passengers under 16 years are properly restrained by a seat belt or by a childrestraint suitable for their size and weight.

Child restraint guidelines:

• infant restraints are suitable for babies up to 9 or 12 kgs

• child car seats are suitable for children 8 to 18 kgs

• booster seats are suitable for children between 14 to 26 kgs

• child harnesses can be used without a booster until

children weigh 32 kg and arerecommended if children are using a lap only seat belt.

Restraint Fitting Stations can help you fit a child restraint.

Phone 1300 360 745 for the nearest location.

Restraints and air bags

A rearward facing restraintshould not be used if therestraint is in a position where it will be hit by an exploding air bag.

Children using forward facingcar seats or boosters in thefront seat of a vehicle should doso with the seat pushed as far

away from the dashboard aspossible.

If a vehicle has air bags in otherpositions, consult the vehicleowner’s manual for advice onpositioning restraints.

More information aboutchoosing and using restraintsand Restraint Fitting Stations is available from VicRoadsCustomer Service Centres and the VicRoads web site:www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

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Pregnant women

Seat belts protect both pregnantwomen and their unbornbabies. The belt will not harmthe baby if the lap part of thebelt is below the bulge, the sashpasses between the breasts andthe buckle is fastened down bythe hips. An unborn baby ismore at risk in a crash if a seatbelt is not worn.

SPEED LIMITS

Speed limit signs tell you

the maximum speed you

can drive in normal

conditions. You must

always obey them by not

exceeding the speed shown.

Built-up areas

The speed limit in a built-uparea is 50 kilometres per hour(km/h) unless signedotherwise.

A BUILT-UP AREA is where there are buildings and/or houses next to the road or there is streetlighting at intervals not over 100 metres apart for a distance of 500 metres or more.

Buckling up takes seconds – serious crashes take lives.

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Speed limited areas

There are other signs whichdesignate speed limits for wholeareas (networks of roads)which have a sign on each roadinto the area.

Freeways andcountry roads

The speed limit on freeways andoutside built-up areas in Victoriais 100 km/h unless signs tellyou otherwise. Some mainstreets in rural town centreshave 50 km/h speed limits.

School speed zones

Lower speed zones are beingintroduced outside all Victorianschools.

Permanent 40 km/hzones outsideschools onmost 50 km/hroads.

Time based40 km/hzones outsideschools on 60 km/h and 70 km/hroads.

On roadswhere thespeed limit is80 km/h orabove, 40 km/h and60 km/h

static or electronic variable signswill be used to alert drivers to thelower speed limit.

Shared zones

Shared zones have a speed limitof 10 km/h or as indicated onthe Shared Zone sign. In ashared zone, drivers must giveway to pedestrians.

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Safe speeds fordifferent needs

There is no one best speed.Speed limit signs tell you themaximum speed you must notdrive beyond. You have to decidewhat is a safe speed within thespecified limit. Here are some factors youshould consider.

Unpredictable surfaces

The risk of losing control of avehicle can increase as a resultof deterioration in the road suchas potholes, wheel ruts orgrooves, slippery surfaces andloose gravel. Always try to beaware of the road surfaceconditions and if necessaryadjust your driving techniqueand speed according to theconditions.

Light or heavy traffic

If there is a lot of traffic, slowdown to the average speed ofeveryone else and watch out forhazards. Pedestrians often weavethrough cars stuck in peak hour‘crawls’.

Shops, parked cars and people

Where there are shops, thereare people and cars. Electronicvariable signs at selected stripshopping centres indicatereduced speed limits at high risktimes. Be alert. Children can runout from between parked cars,and parked cars can pull outfrom the kerb suddenly. Watchyour speed, slow down and tryto anticipate what others may do.

Green lights can change to red

A green light may turn redbefore you enter an intersection,so drive at a speed that will allowyou to stop.

Country roads and animals

When you see animals –beware. They are unpredictableand can wander or dart onto theroad. Farmers often move sheepor cattle and you need to slowdown while you are passing (seeSharing the road with animals,page 133).

The time of the day

It can be difficult to see the roadahead when you are driving intobright sunlight at dawn or dusk.You will need to slow down.

Wear sunglasses and use the sunvisor in your car.

Weather conditions

Driving in heavy rain, frost orsnow can be very dangerous – itmay be difficult to see and roadsmay be slippery. You need toslow right down, or in somecases, pull over off the road andwait for the conditions toimprove. Take care when mist orfog affects visibility. You may need to use hazardwarning lights or rear fog lights(see Driving in dangerousconditions or situations, page 119).

Curving roads

Slow down before entering acurve or bend, then accelerate a little to drive out. It can bedangerous to brake in a curve orbend; you may lose control ofyour vehicle.

Slippery roads

Slippery roads can be caused byrain, mud, frost or ice. Not allareas that are slippery when wetare signposted – watch out forothers. Rain makes all roadsslippery. When rain first begins,oil and dirt are washed to thesurface. Until further rainwashes these away, skidding canoccur. Slow down and alwayskeep your distance from thevehicle in front in poorconditions of any sort.

Road works

At roadwork sites the number oflanes is often reduced to protectroad workers. Temporary speedlimit signs are erected to guidetraffic through the work site atsafe speeds. All drivers mustobey the speed limits.

Dirt roads

Dust from oncoming vehiclesmay conceal unexpectedhazards, such as other vehicles,a dip or corner. Dirt roads canbecome very slippery when wetor corrugated. Mud thrown ontowindows can reduce visibility.Slow down and drive at a speedappropriate for conditionsbecause road holding is reducedand stopping distances aregreater.

Road edge

If you need to move a wheel offthe bitumen, such as whenpassing an oncoming vehicle ona narrow road, don’t panic,pulling the wheel quickly to getback on the road may lead toover correction and potential lossof control. Slow down, brakegently if needed, take your timeand steer normally back onto thebitumen when safe to do so.

77

If the vehicle in

front of yours

stops suddenly,

and you are

travelling too fast

or too close –

you will not be

able to avoid

a crash!

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How quickly do youthink you can stop?Speed makes a big difference to your ability to stop. If youdouble your speed, you coveralmost 4 times the distancebefore you stop.

This makes a significantdifference to your chance ofbeing involved in an accident.

ROAD SIGNS

Road signs are there to

provide information to help

keep you and others safe

on the road.

Regulatory signs

These signs tell you what youmust or must not do. You arecommitting an offence if youdisobey these signs. They areusually black and white,sometimes with red indicatingdanger or a restriction.

You must keep left

However, some regulatorysigns are black and yellow:

Beware – pedestrians crossing

At 60 km/h you may cover up to 67 metresbefore you can stop.

At 100 km/h you may cover up to 142 metresbefore you can stop.

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Follow these traffic signs

These are signs showing whichdirection you must, or mustnot take.

You must not turn left

You must not enter this road

You must turn left

Stop and Give Way signs

These signs enable drivers toget through intersections andother places safely (see Givingway to vehicles at intersections,page 95).

Hand held signs

Hand held signs are often usedat work sites. They may also befound at school crossings.

Be prepared to obey the sign.

You must stop

Keep left unless overtaking

Where this sign is shown, or onmulti-lane roads where thespeed limit is over 80 km/h,you must not drive in the rightlane unless overtaking anothervehicle, turning right, making a U-turn, avoiding an obstruction,or when traffic is congested.

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Warning signs

These signs alert you ofpossible danger ahead. Theyare usually yellow diamondshapes with black words orsymbols. Take notice of theadvice these signs give. Itusually means slowing down.

Curves and bends signs

Curves and bends signs tell youwhat to expect – from simplecurves, to winding sections andsharp bends.

A normal bend

Sharp bends

A winding section of road

Intersection Warning signs

Intersection Warning signs areused to warn you of the type ofintersection ahead, particularlywhen the intersection isdangerous or difficult to see.

An INTERSECTION is where two or more roadsmeet and where vehiclestravelling on different roads might collide.

81

There are many types ofintersections.

Cross-road intersection

T-intersection

Staggered side road junction

Intersection control warning signs

Traffic lights ahead

Stop sign ahead

Roundabout ahead

Changing road layout

End of divided road

Two lanes are for oncoming traffic

82

Advisory speed signs

Advisory speed signs aresometimes used with otherwarning signs.

The advisory speed sign showsthe maximum speed that is safeto drive in good conditions.

Advisory speed sign used withcurve warning sign

Changing conditions

Hollow/dip in the road

Slippery when wet

Gravel road

Railway level crossings

When approaching railway levelcrossings – slow down and beprepared to stop.

Rail crossing ahead

Uncontrolled crossings ahead

Uncontrolled rail crossing onside road

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Pedestrian signs

These signs warn drivers ofpedestrians crossing the road.

Pedestrians crossing

Children crossing

Road work signs

These are usually temporarysigns warning drivers to slowdown and drive carefullybecause there are road worksahead. Consider the safety ofroad workers whenapproaching road works.

Left lane ends, prepare to move(merge) into another lane

Slow down and be prepared to stop

Workers on the road ahead

You may proceed slowly

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Direction signs

These standard green signswith white lettering arecommon throughout the state.They give information such asroad names, destinations alonga route and distances to thedestinations.

ROAD MARKINGS

It is important to be able

to ‘read’ the white or

yellow markings on the

road. Road markings can

create regulatory

requirements which you

must obey and are there

to provide a safer driving

environment.

Centre of the road lines

Many roads are painted withbroken white lines and singlecontinuous lines in the centre ofthe road.

Single continuous lines

FIGURE 6

85

Broken white lines

In Figures 6 and 7 you mustkeep left of the lines and driveas close to the left side of theroad as you can. You may crossthese lines to enter or leave theroad, but only overtake if theroad ahead is clear.

Double continuous white lines

You must always keep left ofthese lines. Do not cross themto overtake or to do any turn.You must not park oppositedouble continuous lines.

Double white lines with a broken line closer to you

You may cross these lines toovertake, or to enter or leavethe road, but only overtake ifthe road ahead is clear.

FIGURE 7 FIGURE 9FIGURE 8

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Double white lines with acontinuous line closer to you

You must always keep to theleft of these lines. Do not crossthem to overtake or do anyturn. You must not parkopposite the continuous line side.

Lane markings

Broken white lines separating lanes

Broken white lines separatelanes of traffic going in thesame direction. You may changelanes if you signal, and if it issafe to do so. Remember, youmust give way to any vehiclealready in that lane. You mustdrive with your vehiclecompletely within a lane.

FIGURE 10

FIGURE 11

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Overhead lane signals

If overhead lane signals are inuse, travel in the lanes overwhich there is a green or whitearrow. You must stay out oflanes with a red X.

Roads without marked lanes

Where there are no lanemarkings, if there are two ormore lines of traffic travelling inthe same direction, you maychange from one line of trafficto another if you signal, and if itis safe to do so. However, youmay only pass another vehicleon the left side when it isturning right.

Special purposelanes

Special purpose lanes includebicycle lanes, bus lanes, transitlanes and tram lanes. Signsand/or road markings are usedto set aside lanes for specialvehicles. If specified on thesigns other vehicles may usethese lanes. Drivers must keepout of these lanes during thetimes marked on the signs or, ifno time is specified, at all times.However, you may travel inthese lanes for up to 100 metres(up to 50 metres in a bicyclelane), only when necessary todo so, to enter or leave theroad, or to avoid an obstructionor turning vehicle.

Some examples of specialpurpose lanes are shown on page 88.

FIGURE 13

FIGURE 12

88

Tram lanes For trams and public buses only.(See Sharing the road withtrams, page 127).

Bus lanes

For buses and other vehicles as specified on a sign.(See Sharing the road withbuses, page 130).

Bicycle lanes For cyclists only, and forparking unless prohibited bysigns. If you need to turn leftfrom the road, you may drivealong the bicycle lane for notmore than 50 metres only if it isnecessary to do so. You shouldbe courteous to cyclists. Youmust give way to cyclists in abicycle lane, and only move intoa bicycle lane when it is safe to do so.

Transit lanes

During times specified onthe signs, transit lanes are for buses, taxis, motorcycles, trams and vehicles carrying two or more people (T2 sign), or three or more people (T3 sign).

You may drive in atransit lane for no morethan 100 metres if it is

necessary to make a turn.HOT TIP

Traffic lane arrows

Arrows are painted on the roadat some intersections. They tellyou the direction traffic in eachlane must go. If two directionsare shown, you may go eitherway. You must not go in adirection other than thatindicated by the arrows.

Arrows may also be applied tobicycle lanes. Sometimes a‘head start’ area is provided sothat cyclists can be seen bydrivers when stopped at redtraffic lights.

Painted trafficislands

Traffic islands are sometimespainted on the road before aright turning lane. You candrive over the painted island or stop to wait on it, as long asthere are no double linesoutlining the island on the left,but you must give way to anyvehicle in a turning lane orentering a turning lane from amarked lane (see Figure 15 onpage 90).

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FIGURE 14

90

Red vehicle B must give way togreen vehicle A

Give Way linemarkings – with or without Give Way signs

Red vehicle B must give way togreen vehicle A

(See Giving way to vehicles atintersections, page 95).

Stop line markings – with or without Stop signs

Red vehicle B must give way to

green vehicle A

(See Giving way to vehicles atintersections, page 95).

FIGURE 15

FIGURE 16

FIGURE 17

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TRAFFICCONTROLS ATINTERSECTIONS

Traffic lights

Red means you must STOP. Do not enter the intersection.

Yellow means STOP unlessyou are unable to do so safely.

Green means you may enter the intersection, but only if youdo not block the intersection.

Half of all crashes happen at intersections. Stay alert and obey theintersection rules.

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Traffic lights with arrows

Traffic lights with arrows maketurns easier. If the arrowpointing in the direction youwant to go is red, you muststop; if the arrow is green youmay proceed in the direction itis pointing if it is safe to do so.

You must not turn right

You may turn right

You may turn left

Traffic lights for trams, buses and bicycles

Some traffic lights signal awhite T or B on a blackbackground. These are used for trams and buses at someintersections. Some traffic lights may have red, yellow and green bicycle lights for useby bicycles. Other road usersmust wait for the normal green light.

Tram may go. Bicycle may go.You must wait. You must wait.

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Pedestrian signals

Turning vehicles must alwaysgive way to pedestrians who arecrossing the road they areturning into (whether or notthere is a green ‘walking figure’facing the pedestrian).

Traffic control signs

Stop and Give Way signs areused for safety control at manyintersections and other places.

(See Giving way to vehicles atintersections, page 95).

GIVE WAY RULES

There will be many times

when you are driving that

your path crosses that of

other road users. When this

happens, one or more of

the people involved must

give way in order to avoid

a collision.

Here are some everyday

driving situations when

you will be required to

give way.

To GIVE WAY means that if there is a danger that your vehicle couldcollide with another vehicle, person or animalyou mmuusstt slow down and, if necessary, stop toavoid a collision. If you are stationary, you mmuussttremain stationary until it is safe to proceed.

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Giving Way toPedestrians

There are a number of drivingsituations when you must giveway to pedestrians.

At pedestrian crossings

You must give way to anypedestrian on a pedestriancrossing, and you must notovertake another vehicle which has stopped at apedestrian crossing.

At intersections

When turning left or right atany intersection (except aroundabout), you must giveway to any pedestrians crossingthe road you are turning into.

In slip lanes

You must give way to anypedestrians in a slip lane.

At children’s crossings

(See Sharing the road withpedestrians, page 121).

On the footpath

When entering the road from adriveway or adjacent land, youmust give way to pedestrians on any footpath, path or naturestrip you cross to enter the road. You must also give way tobicycles or other vehicles on thefootpath, path or nature strip.

This also applies when leavingthe road to enter a driveway oradjacent land.

A SLIP LANE is an area of road for vehicles turning left that isseparated, at some point,from other parts of the road by a painted island or traffic island.

FIGURE 18

95

In shared zones

In a shared zone shared by bothvehicles and pedestrians, youmust give way to pedestrians(see Speed limits, page 74).

At Stop or Give Way signs orlines not at intersections

You must give way not only to vehicles, but also to anypedestrian at or near the sign or line. This would includepedestrians as well as bicyclescrossing in front of you on ashared path.

When making a U-turn

You must give way to allpedestrians as well as vehicleswhen making a U-turn.

At tram stops

When passing a stopped tramyou must give way to anypedestrians crossing betweenthe tram and the left side of the road.

Giving way tovehicles atintersections

Stop or Give Way signs orlines at an intersection

After stopping at a Stop sign orline, or when facing a Give Waysign or line at an intersection,you must give way to anyvehicle in, entering orapproaching the intersectionexcept:

• a vehicle making a U-turn

• a vehicle turning left using a slip lane

• an oncoming vehicle turning right if that vehicle is also facing a Stop or Give Way sign or line.

96

Red vehicle B must stop and give way to green vehicle A,which is not facing a Stop orGive Way sign

Giving way atintersections (exceptT-intersections orroundabouts)

If there are no traffic lights orsigns or lines at an intersection,you must give way to anyvehicle on your right.

In Figures 20 to 23, red vehicle B must give way to green vehicle A

When the law refers to VEHICLES, this includes not only motor vehicles but also horses and bicycles.

The Give Way rules applyequally for these smallervehicles.

You could be charged just the same for failing to give way to a horse or a bicycle as for failing to give way to a truck!

FIGURE 19

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If you are turning right at anintersection without trafficlights or signs or lines, youmust also give way tooncoming vehicles goingstraight ahead or turning left(except if they are turning in aslip lane) as well as any vehicleon your right.

Red vehicle B must give way togreen vehicle A

FIGURE 20 FIGURE 22

FIGURE 21FIGURE 23

FIGURE 24

98

Giving way at T-intersections

T-intersections may notalways form a regular T

The Give Way rule is the samefor all T-intersections. Whenyou enter the continuing roadfrom the road that ends, youmust give way to vehiclestravelling along the continuingroad.

These diagrams show how togive way at T-intersectionswithout lights or signs, or whentraffic lights have failed or areflashing yellow.

In Figures 25, 26 and 27, the red vehicle B must give way to green vehicle A

A T-INTERSECTION is where two roads meet and one of them ends.

FIGURE 26

FIGURE 27

FIGURE 25

When you turn right from the continuing road into the road that ends, you must give way to oncoming vehicles

The red vehicle must give way to the pedestrian

Some T-intersections aremodified so that the continuingroad goes round a corner. The road that ends is marked by a continuity line and Give Way or Stop lines or signs.In Figure 30, the red vehicle B is leaving the continuing road toenter the road that ends at theintersection. The red vehicle Bmust give way to the greenvehicle A.

99

FIGURE 30FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29

100

Giving way atroundabouts

When entering a roundabout,you must give way to:

• all vehicles already in the roundabout

• all trams entering, or approaching the roundabout.

Take care to look out formotorcyclists and cyclistsalready in the roundabout whomay be harder to see.

A roundabout sign FIGURE 31

Always give way to vehicles already in the roundabout. In this diagram, the red B vehicles must give way to the green A vehicles. Enter only when there is a safe gap in the traffic.

Cyclists and animal riders

In a roundabout, cyclists and animal riders have the option ofturning right from the left lane,but they must give way todrivers exiting the roundabout.

Giving way ondivided roads

When a two-way road is dividedby a median strip, a Give Wayor Stop sign applies to thewhole of the intersection.

The red vehicle B must give way

to the green vehicle A.

A MEDIAN STRIP is adividing strip on the road designed toseparate vehicles travelling in oppositedirections.

A ROUNDABOUT is an intersection with a roundabout sign at each entrance, a central island and one or more marked lanes, or lines of traffic, all of which have vehicles travelling in the same direction.You mmuusstt always keep to the left of the central island.

101

FIGURE 32

Turning from adivided road

When turning from a dividedroad, you must obey the signson the road you are turningfrom. Normally a vehicle in the same position as the redvehicle B could continue if it issafe to do so. However inFigure 33 the red vehicle B isfacing a Stop Here On RedSignal sign, therefore it muststop until that signal is green. If there is no sign, you mustgive way to traffic when enteringa road from a break in themedian strip after turning.

Other drivingsituations when you are required to give way

U-turn

When making a U-turn youmust give way to all othervehicles and pedestrians.

Entering the road

Whenever you enter the roadfrom a driveway or adjacentland, you must give way to allvehicles and pedestrians.

Entering the traffic stream

Whenever you enter the trafficstream from a parked position,or through a break in a medianstrip, you must give way to allvehicles travelling on the road.

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FIGURE 33

Changing lanes

Whenever you change lanesfrom one marked lane or line oftraffic to another, you mustgive way to vehicles already inthat lane or line of traffic. Thisincludes whenever you crossover any broken line marked onthe road which indicates that alane ends, for example whenmerging into freeway traffic.

Make a headcheckwhenever you arechanging lanes or pulling

out from the kerb, but don’t takeyour eyes off the road ahead formore than a second.

Zip merging

If you are on a road wherethere are no lines marked andthe road is such that two rowsof vehicles must merge intoone, you must give way to anyvehicle which has any part of itsvehicle ahead of yours. This iscalled zip merging. Note: ifyou cross any lines marked onthe road, then you are not zipmerging but changing lanes,and must give way accordingly.

Red vehicle B must give way to the green vehicle AWhen two lanes of

traffic merge into one and there are no lanemarkings, this issometimes called ZIP MERGING.

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HOT TIPFIGURE 34

Police directions You must always followinstructions from a member ofthe Police Force or authorisedperson rather than any othertraffic control signal or rule.

Remember, road userscan make mistakes aboutwho should give way.

Never assume the other driver hasseen you or will give way to you.Always make eye contact, andproceed carefully.

TURNING

Plan your turns well in

advance. Move into the

correct lane long before

you need to turn.

Use the indicators to

give other road users

plenty of warning.

Making turns

Signalling your moves

Always use your indicators tolet others know you are aboutto turn or change lanes.

The signal must be given forlong enough to warn others that you are about to changelanes or direction. You mustsignal for at least 5 secondswhen moving from a stationaryposition at the side of the road or from a median stripparking area.

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HOT TIP

Making right turns

To make a right turn you must:

• approach the intersection as close to the centre of the road as possible

• turn just right of the centre of the intersection.

Right turns on multi-lane roads

On some multi-lane roads,arrows painted on the road willshow you if right turns may alsobe made from other lanes.

If road markings indicate how aturn is to be made, you mustmake a turn as indicated by theroad markings.

Making left turns

To make a left turn you mustapproach the intersection as close to the left side of the roadas possible, but keep clear ofany bicycle lane.

Where there is a slip lane, youmust turn using the slip lane(see slip lane definition, page 94).

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FIGURE 36

FIGURE 37FIGURE 35

Left turns on multi-lane roads

For a multi-lane road, arrowspainted on the road will showyou if left turns may also bemade from other lanes. Butlook out for cyclists on yourleft who may be goingstraight ahead.

If road markings allow turnsfrom more than one lane, it is

advisable that you stay in thesame lane as you go from oneroad to the other.

Exception to the turning rules

Trucks or vehicles over 7.5 metres long displaying a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehiclesign may use more than onelane to turn (see Sharing theroad with trucks, page 131).

Hook turns

Hook Turn signA driver turning right at anintersection with traffic lightsand a Hook Turn sign mustturn right by making a hookturn as shown in Figure 40.

Hook Turn signs are found at someintersections in CentralMelbourne. The signs may be at the side of theroad or hung from tramwires, so be alert inchecking for these signs.

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FIGURE 39

FIGURE 38

To make a hook turn, you must:

1 Approach and enter the intersection from as near as possible to the left.

2 Move forward, keeping clear of any marked foot crossing, until your vehicle is as near as possible to the far side of the road that you are entering.

3 Remain at the position reached under Step 2 until the traffic lights on the road you are entering have changed to green.

4 Turn right into the road and continue straight ahead.

107

Wait here until the lights in the street you are entering have changed to green

Turn and continue straight ahead

You must be in the left lane to make a hook turn. Indicate that you are turning right

Doing a hook turn – turning right from the left lane

FIGURE 40

U-turns

When making a U-turn you must:

• have a clear view of traffic ineither direction

• complete your U-turn withoutdisrupting other traffic

• signal your intention for a reasonable time

• give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians.

Where there is no median, it is advisable that the U-turn bemade from the left side of theroad. Remember to watch out for traffic approaching from behind you.

You must not make a U-turn:

• over double lines or where there is a No U-turn sign,(if the sign is not at an intersection continue on until you reach an intersection before you make a U-turn)

No U-turn sign

• at an intersection where there is a No U-turn sign

No Right Turn sign

• at a No Right Turn sign unless there is a U-turn Permitted sign.

A cyclist may make a hook turn at anyintersection – not just at hook turn intersections.

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FIGURE 41

Where there is a median, the turn must be made from the right lane.

Turning and one way roads

Turning from one-way roads

When turning left or right froma one-way road into a two-wayroad, you must turn from aposition close to the side youare turning towards.

Turning into one-way roads

When turning left or right froma two-way road into a one-wayroad, it is advisable to turn intothe nearest lane.

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FIGURE 42FIGURE 44

FIGURE 43

Making turns atroundabouts

A roundabout is considered tobe a special type of intersection,so different rules apply. TheGive Way rules on page 100explain what you must do whenentering the roundabout andwho should give way.

Sometimes, roundabouts havemore than one lane. You needto follow these rules aboutturning left or right or goingstraight ahead.

Decide before you enterthe roundabout if you aregoing to turn right, left or

go straight ahead.

Turning left

Approach in the left lane andstay in that lane.

Signal a left turn on yourapproach to the roundabout andkeep the signal on until youhave left the roundabout.

Going straight ahead

Approach the roundabout in theleft or right lane.

Drive in the same lane throughthe roundabout.

Do not signal on your approachto the roundabout, but ifpractical, signal left as you exit.

Turning right

Always approach theroundabout in the right lane.

Drive close to the centre of theroundabout and follow the rightlane as you leave.

Signal a right turn on yourapproach, and signal left, ifpractical, just before the exityou are turning into, keepingthe signal on until you have leftthe roundabout.

Cyclists and animal riders may make a right turn from a left lane.

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HOT TIP

Where arrow(s) are marked on the road before or in a roundaboutyou mmuusstt drive in thedirection of the arrow(s).Make sure you obey them.

111

FIGURE 45

FREEWAYS

As freeway speeds are

often high and the traffic

is heavy, there are special

rules that apply when

driving on a freeway.

Entering a freeway

• Adjust your speed as you drive along the entry ramp to match that of the freeway traffic.

• Clearly indicate your intentions.

• Where there is a large enough gap, merge smoothlywith the freeway traffic.

Exiting a freeway

• Watch for signs that tell you that you are approaching an exit ramp. Exit lanes are usually on the left.

• Maintain your speed and signal your intention to exit well in advance.

• Adjust your speed once you have entered the exit ramp.

If you miss your exit, continuetravelling on the freeway untilyou reach the next exit. Youshould not reverse on a freeway.

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Overtaking lane

Be extra alert on freeways astraffic travels at high speed. You must not drive in the right lane unless overtaking orunless all lanes are congested.This rule also applies to theright lane used by all traffic, ifthe lane to the right of that is atransit lane.

Stopping

You must not stop on a freewayexcept in an emergency. If youmust stop, move to theemergency lane or shoulder of the road and put on yourhazard warning lights.

Variable speed zones

Electronic variable signs onfreeways indicate reduced speed limits at high risk times.

Tollways

Start tollway sign

You are entering a tolled sectionof road.

TOLLWAYS are sections of road where the drivermust pay to use it. Signs are displayed toadvise drivers that they will soon be entering the tollway.

A TRANSIT LANE is marked by a Transit Lanesign, and may only be used by public buses,motorcycles, taxis or where applicable, vehiclescarrying at least one or two other people.

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Advance warning tollwayentrance sign

You are about to enter thetollway from a non-tollway road.If you do not want to enter thetollway, take the next exit.

SHARING THEROAD SAFELY

As a driver you share the

road with many other

people:

• other drivers of cars,

vans, trucks, buses

and trams

• pedestrians

• motorcyclists

• cyclists.

Co-operative driving

We all have places to get to andwant to arrive there safely. Thebest way to make this happen isto co-operate and help eachother. It doesn’t really hurt orwaste any time to let somebodyin from a side street, when thetraffic is crawling along.

Other simple strategies include:

• not blocking intersections

• always using your signals when turning or changing lanes

• not following too closely behind

• smoothly controlling your speed rather than driving in a fast start/stop manner

• changing lanes correctly

• slowing down when approaching road work sites.

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Remember that co-operation isnot just limited to other cardrivers. You are also sharingthe road with pedestrians,cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks,buses and trams.

There are times and placeswhen co-operation is essential.These include places where:

• two lanes have to merge

• the left lane ends

• extra lanes exist just before and after intersections

• overtaking lanes or divided roads end

• cars are parked and there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass.

In these places, the need for co-operative driving is atits greatest.

Co-operative drivinghelps you to be a ‘green driver’. There

is a relationship between drivingstyle and the impact yourdriving has on the environment.Drive smoothly and avoid faststart/stop driving – you’ll savefuel and pollute less (and savemoney as well!). Even better leavethe car at home and walk, rideyour bike or use public transport!

Keeping your coolwhen driving

Road rage is dangerous andillegal. It involves people losingtheir cool, perhaps in responseto a mistake or action ofanother driver. You can avoidroad rage easily.

• The fundamental rule is don’tretaliate – it’s never worth it!

• If you make a mistake while driving, acknowledge it.

• Don’t take the mistakes of other drivers personally - remember it’s a mistake not apersonal attack.

• Keep your cool and keep your distance!

• Drive cooperatively and consider the other people on the road!

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HOT TIPCo-operate to

keep your cool

and you’ll be

a winner

Sharing the road withother motorists

Keeping to the left

On multi-lane roads with aspeed limit over 80 km/h, youmust keep out of the right laneunless you are:

• overtaking

• turning right

• making a U-turn

• avoiding an obstruction, or

• traffic is congested.

You must also keep out of theright lane where a Keep LeftUnless Overtaking sign applies.

Signalling your moves

Before turning or changinglanes you must signal for long enough to give sufficientwarning to other drivers andpedestrians. In 60 km/h zones,it is best to signal for at least 30 metres or about the length of two houses and drivewaysbefore turning or changinglanes.

Check that your indicatoris off after you have madeyour turn or lane change

– it may not have turned off byitself. If it is left on, other driverswill think you intend to turn.

Before moving from a stationaryposition at the side of the roador a parking area in the middleof the road, you must signal forat least five seconds.

Here are some of the ways youcan signal your intentions.

1 Using your indicators

You must use your indicatorswhen:

• turning to the right or left

• changing lanes or line of traffic

• overtaking

• making U-turns

• pulling into and out of parking spots

• leaving a continuing road which curves to the left or right

• leaving a roundabout (if practical)

• moving to the left or right from a stationary position.

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HOT TIP

Watch other vehicles’ indicatorsand make sure they are doingwhat is indicated. Sometimes anindicator has not cancelled fromthe last turn, or has been put ontoo early. Make sure youindicate in such a way that yoursignal cannot be misleading.

These vehicles are signallingtheir moves, but could be headingfor trouble as vehicle A’s signalcould be misleading.

2 Using your brake lights

Every time your foot touchesthe brake pedal, your brakelights glow, warning otherdrivers you are slowing down.Likewise, you will need to slowdown when the brake lights onthe vehicle in front of you areglowing red. So give lots ofwarning by braking early andslowing gradually.

3 Making eye contact

As well as watching out forindicators, you can get an ideaof what another person mightdo by making eye contact. To make sure another driverknows you are there, try andmake eye contact, especially atintersections. Look at otherdrivers, they may well belooking at you to see that youknow they are there!

Use indicators even if there is no-one elsearound – it’s the person you cannot see who can be the most dangerous.

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FIGURE 46

The ability to

blend in with

traffic comes

with experience

and reflects

an awareness

of what

other drivers

reasonably

expect

4 Using your headlights and tail lights

Headlights help you to see atnight. Headlights and tail lightshelp others to see you in poorlight conditions. Your headlightsand tail lights must be onbetween sunset and sunrise.They must also be on inhazardous weather conditionswhere there is reducedvisibility.

If the street lights are on, your lights should also be on.

High-beam headlights

Headlights on high-beamenable you to see further.Because headlights on highbeam may dazzle the oncomingdriver’s eyes, you must ‘dip’them to low-beam when anothervehicle is within 200 metres.You must also dip your head-lights when driving 200 metresor less behind another vehicle.

Don’t be dazzled by high-beam

Look to the left side of the roadand drive towards the left ofyour lane if a car with high-beams on is approaching. Ifdazzled by the lights, slowdown and pull over until youreyes recover.

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HOT TIP

FIGURE 47

Using emergency signals

If your vehicle breaks down on the road

Make sure other drivers cansee your vehicle and stop intime. If possible, pull right outof the traffic flow. If you can’tget completely off the road, tryto stop where people have aclear view of you and yourvehicle. Don’t stop just over ahill or just around a curve.

Turn on your hazardwarning lights to warnother drivers. If your

vehicle doesn’t have hazardwarning lights use your leftindicator instead. Lift your bonnetor boot lid to show other driversyou are in trouble.

Driving in dangerous conditionsor situations

You may use hazard warninglights if you are driving indangerous weather conditions,such as fog, or smoke, or if youare driving slowly and likely toobstruct other vehicles orpedestrians. You must notoperate rear fog lights unlessdriving in fog or hazardousweather conditions.

Warning others of your approach

You must only use your horn ifit is necessary to warn otherroad users of the approach orposition of your vehicle.

How to overtake safely

If someone is overtaking you,you must not increase yourvehicle’s speed.

Here are some tips to reduceyour risk when overtaking:

Overtaking on a two way road

• Check the centre of the road markings (see Road markings,page 84). If there are double continuous white lines or double white lines with a continuous line closest to you,you must not overtake.

• Make sure you have a clear view of any approaching traffic and that there is enough space to overtake safely. Remember that it is hard to estimate the speed of approaching vehicles.

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HOT TIP

Always make a

final headcheck

before changing

lanes or

overtaking

• Check that the vehicle in front or behind is not also about to pull out to overtake.

• Use your right indicator to letothers know you are about toovertake. A vehicle behind may want to overtake both you and the vehicle in front.

• If you are not sure you have enough time, just wait. A few seconds or minutes could save your life.

• Never overtake if the road is not wide enough for you to stay completely on the sealedpart of the road, unless you can do so at a low speed.

• When safe, accelerate and overtake the vehicle, then indicate left when safe to return to your lane. You must not exceed the speed limit at any time.

• You must keep a safe distance when overtaking and not return into the line of traffic until you are a sufficient distance past the vehicle you are overtaking.

One way to know if it is safe to return to your lane is when yousee both headlights of

the vehicle you have overtaken inyour rear view mirror.

Overtaking where there are nolane markings

When a road has no lanemarkings, you must overtake a vehicle on its right side.You must not overtake either a moving or stationary vehicleon the left, unless the vehicle isturning right, or making a U-turnfrom the centre of the road, andhas its right indicator flashing.

Overtaking where lanes are marked

When a road has lane markings,you may overtake in the leftlane but remember you are less visible to the driver of thevehicle you are going past ifyou overtake on the left.

Overtaking where there areoncoming vehicles

Never underestimate the spaceand time you will need to safelyovertake when there areoncoming vehicles. It is hard tojudge the speed at which theyare travelling. Be careful. If indoubt – don’t pull out.

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HOT TIP

Overtaking where there are hillsand curves

If your view is blocked, don’tpull out. Remember, you mustnot overtake when there aredouble unbroken white lines, ordouble white lines with acontinuous line closest to you.

Overtaking at intersections, rail crossings, shopping centreentrances and pedestriancrossings

These are never good places toovertake. Wait until you are ona clearer section of road. Youmust not overtake anothervehicle stopped at a pedestrianor children’s crossing.

Sharing the road with pedestriansPedestrians don’t always dowhat you expect. You shouldwatch out for them at all times.Here are some places whereyou should take extra care.More information on giving wayto pedestrians can be found onpage 94.

At children’s crossings

Always approach a children’scrossing at a speed which willlet you stop. You must stop atflagged children’s crossings if a

PEDESTRIANS include not only people on foot but also those on wheeled devices such as skateboards,rollerblades andwheelchairs.

A person pushing a bicycle is also considered to be a pedestrian.

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FIGURE 48

pedestrian is on or entering thecrossing, even if there is nocrossing supervisor present.You must not proceed until thepedestrian has left the crossing.You must also stop if a handheld Stop sign is displayed.

At intersections and traffic lights

When turning, you must giveway to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.Elderly people may not crossthe road in the time allowed by the lights. Be patient andwait for them.

Pedestrian traffic lights areoften located away fromintersections to enablepedestrians to cross roadssafely. These traffic lightsgenerally operate the same as

lights at intersections. However,at some locations, drivers mayproceed when the yellow lightstarts flashing, provided theygive way to any pedestrian stillon the crossing. Thesecrossings have When FlashingGive Way To Pedestrians signs.

At pedestrian crossings

Always approach pedestriancrossings at a speed which willlet you stop. Not all pedestrianslook before they step ontocrossings, so take care. Youmust give way to any pedestrianon a pedestrian crossing.

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FIGURE 49

At safety zones, tram stopsand bus stops

Slow down when approachingsafety zones, tram stops andbus stops. There is always therisk of pedestrians getting off atram or bus and crossing theroad without looking.

Pedestrians are often hard tosee when stepping out suddenlyfrom behind or in front of a busor tram. It is also a good ideawhen you are waiting to pick upa bus passenger to park on thesame side of the road that thebus will be travelling.

More information on Sharingthe road with trams can befound on pages 95 and 127.

Slow down when approachingsafety zones, tram stops and busstops. There is always the risk ofpedestrians getting off a tram orbus and crossing the roadwithout looking.

A SAFETY ZONE is the area of the road at or near a tram stop withsafety zone signs, and a traffic island or dividing strip.

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FIGURE 50

At tram stops where there is nosafety zone between you and thetram, you must stop and giveway to all pedestrians walking toand from the kerb.

When coming out of driveways

You must give way to anyvehicles or pedestrians whenleaving any private property. If you cannot see if anyone iscoming, sound your horn andthen drive out very slowly.Watch out for children riding onbicycles or skateboards.

On paths

You must give way to anyvehicles or pedestrians on a pathwhich crosses the road if you arefacing a Give Way or Stop sign.

At shopping centres and car parks

At shopping centres, car parksand other busy places there is agreater chance of pedestrianscrossing the road unexpectedlyor stepping out from behind orbetween vehicles withoutlooking. Slow down and be alert.

Near schools

Take care when driving nearschools especially at timeswhen children are arriving or leaving. Watch out for 40 km/h or 60 km/h speedzones outside schools.

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FIGURE 51

FIGURE 52

Beware of childrencoming out frombetween parked cars –

they are often hard to see overthe top of cars.

Where children are walkingor playing

Beware of children darting outsuddenly from between parkedcars near playgrounds oranywhere you see childrenwalking or playing.

Near libraries and seniorcitizens’ clubs

Be alert and take extra care inareas where elderly peoplefrequent, such as libraries,senior citizens’ clubs andhomes for the elderly.

Vision impaired

Be aware of pedestrians withpoor or impaired vision whomay be using a white cane orwhite walking stick. They maynot see your vehicle clearly orbe able to judge the speed ofyour vehicle.

Near hotels or nightclubs

Pedestrians who have beendrinking may be impaired byalcohol. They may not payattention to the traffic beforecrossing the road.

Wet weather

Pedestrians may hurry and takerisks in the wet. Slow down andtake extra care in theseconditions.

Sharing the road with cyclists andmotorcyclists

You need to be especially alertfor cyclists and motorcyclists,as they are more at risk thandrivers. Cyclists and motor-cyclists have the same rightsand responsibilities as you. Sogive them space. They need tokeep well clear of parked carsin case doors are openedcarelessly – so give them room.They are entitled to ride twoabreast (up to 1.5 metresapart); this makes them easierto see.

Give cyclists and motorcycliststheir own space. You shouldovertake cyclists or motor-cyclists only if you can safelymove to the right, leaving atleast one metre clearance.

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HOT TIP

Never share the lane withcyclists or motorcyclists if youcannot leave this clearance.

Allow at least one metreclearance between your vehicleand cyclists or motorcyclists

Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists

Bicycles and motorcycles aresmaller than cars and thereforeharder to see and are morelikely to be hidden in your blindspot. Keep a good lookout forthem, particularly beforeturning or entering anintersection or changing lanes.Intersections are where mostmotorcycle accidents happenbecause vehicles turning left orright cut across in front of therider. Riders can be hidden by

large vehicles which areovertaking them, such astrucks and buses. Only moveleft or turn left from behind alarge vehicle when you have a clear view and are sure thatthe road is clear.

Seven out of tenmotorcycle crashes happen at intersections. Remember: Always ‘Look Bike’.

Motorcycles acceleratefaster than cars. Whatlooks like a safe gap intraffic, may not be if there is a motorcycleamong the cars.

more than 1 metre

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FIGURE 53

FIGURE 54

Sharing the road with trams

Remember these general rulesabout sharing the road withtrams:

• Do not overtake a stopped tram. You must stop level with the rear of the tram and wait for people to get on and off. You may only overtake a stopped tram if there are no pedestrians on the road and you are facing a green traffic light or if a uniformed tram employee signals you through.However, you must not exceed 10 km/h while passingthe tram.

• You must give way to a tram moving into or across aroundabout.

• You must not pass on the right of a tram unless tram tracks are at or near the far left side of the road.

• Buses travelling along tram tracks must be treated as trams.

Broken yellow lines next to tram lines

These lines on roads give tramspriority at all times. You cancross a broken yellow line anddrive on tram tracks at anytime, however you must notdelay a tram. If you want to turnright, allow the tram to pass youor keep going and turn rightfurther on. Do not pull out infront of a tram and do not delaya tram.

Broken yellow lines next to tram lines means the tram haspriority at all times

127

FIGURE 55

Full time tram lanes

Full time tram lanes havecontinuous yellow lines next to the tram lines. Reflectivemarkers are used to show that the tram lane operates at all times.

These tram lanes are inoperation at all times and thetram lane sign will not show anytimes of operation. The samerules apply to these tram lanesas to those with only acontinuous yellow line. You mayenter the lane to drive across anintersection, make a right handturn or a U-turn, however youmust not delay a tram.

Part time tram lanes

Part time tram lanes have tramlane signs over the lane whichindicate the hours of operationand a continuous yellow line tothe left of the tracks. You arenot allowed to travel in a tramlane during the times it is inoperation (as shown on thetram lane signs). You may use atram lane to enter or leave the

road, to avoid an obstruction,make a right turn or a U-turn,as long as you do not delay atram or travel in the lane formore than 100 metres. Youmust not delay trams evenduring the times when the tramlane is not operating.

A TRAM LANE is a part of the road with tram tracks that is marked along the left side of the tracks by a continuous yellow line, and is indicated by a Tram Lane sign.

128

FIGURE 56

Part time tram lanes havecontinuous yellow lines next tothe tram lane lines.

Fairway signs

A Fairway sign may be used in addition to the Tram Lanesigns and yellow lines, to warnof a section of road where tramshave priority at the times markedon the Tram Lane signs.

Fairway sign Tram lane sign

Fairway and common sense

If a parked or double parkedvehicle blocks your lane, youmay not be able to avoid drivingin the tram lane. You won’t bebreaking the law, but move to your own lane as soon aspossible to avoid delaying a tram.

Trams are longer and heavierthan cars and it takes themlonger to safely stop. So, whenyou are overtaking a tram orchanging lanes, don’t pull in tothe empty space immediately infront of a tram. This is their‘safety margin’. Be careful andleave plenty of room.

129

FIGURE 57

Sharing the road with buses

On some roads, buses are givenspecial lanes. Only public busesor other vehicles as specified onthe sign may use these lanes.However, you may drive in abus lane for no more than 100metres if it is necessary to:

• turn left

• to overtake a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn from the centre of the road

• when first entering or leavingthe road.

Watch out for buses pulling outfrom the kerb

In a built-up area you mustgive way to a bus displaying aGive Way To Buses sign andsignalling that it is about to pull out from the kerb into theleft lane. More information onbuilt-up areas can be found onpage 74.

Sharing the road with police andemergency vehicles

You must get out of the way ofa police or emergency vehiclewhen its siren is on or it isdisplaying red or blue flashinglights. Give way and stop ifnecessary (despite any otherrules), even if you have a greentraffic light. These vehicleshave exemptions to break rulesin the case of emergencies andmay act unpredictably. Youmust also stop if the twin redlights outside a Fire Station orAmbulance Station are flashing.

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Sharing the road with trucks and otherheavy vehicles

Here are some tips aboutsharing the road with trucks ofany size.

Blind spots – be seen, be safe

All vehicles have blind spotswhere the driver loses sight ofvehicles around them. Theblind spot is greater for truckdrivers. If you cannot see thedriver in the truck’s rear visionmirror, the truck driver cannotsee you. This should be a ‘nostay spot’. Either accelerate toovertake if safe to do so, ordecrease speed and pull back towhere you can be seen. Moreinformation on blind spots canbe found on page 36.

Don’t cut in

Trucks are longer and heavierthan cars and it takes themlonger to safely stop. So, whenyou are overtaking a truck orchanging lanes, don’t pull in tothe empty space immediately infront of a truck. This is their‘safety margin’.

If you can’t see thewhole front of the truckin your rear vision mirror

before you pull into the samelane, there may not be enoughroom for the truck to stop safelybehind you if the traffic suddenlystops; it may hit you or anothervehicle. Be careful and leaveyourself plenty of room when turningin front of an oncoming truck.

Trucks pick up and deliver goods

Be prepared for trucks that areentering or leaving driveways,roads or loading docks to pickup and deliver goods.

Sometimes this will requireextra patience and courtesy onyour part to let them do sosafely. Always be prepared toallow extra room for a truck toswing in or out of deliverypoints. If possible make eyecontact with the driver to letthem know you have seen them.

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HOT TIP

If you cannot

see the driver

in the truck’s

rear vision

mirror,

the truck

driver cannot

see you

The nature of trucks

Trucks are bigger and heavierthan cars and slower toaccelerate especially whenstarting, merging into traffic orgoing uphill. You need to allowfor this if you see a truckpulling into traffic up ahead ofyou. Be prepared to overtake if it’s safe, or to reduce speed if necessary.

Signs on trucks

An Oversize sign, sometimesaccompanied by flashing amberlights, is displayed on a truckwhich is longer or wider thanusual. The load may evenoverhang into your lane. Takenotice and watch what isdifferent about it and adjustyour driving to suit. Remember,amber flashing lights alwaysindicate caution is necessary.

Some oversized trucks aresupported by pilot vehicles and VicRoads Transport SafetyServices vehicles. Pilot vehiclesprovide advance warning toother road users of thepresence of OVERSIZE vehicles and VicRoads vehicles manage traffic.

A Long Vehicle sign isdisplayed on a truck that ismuch longer than normal. It will take longer to overtake,and will need extra room tosafely stop behind you. Makesure you can see the entirefront of the truck and a littlespace around it in your rearvision mirror before you pull in after you overtake.

A Do Not Overtake TurningVehicle sign tells you that thetruck is at least 7.5 metres longand requires more turningroom to negotiate corners,intersections or roundabouts.Trucks displaying this sign mayneed part or all of two lanes toturn and can legally do so (seepage 106 for more information).This sign tells you that youmust not overtake alongside a turning truck.

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PilotVehicle

VicRoadsTransportSafetyVehicle

Blind spots are increasedwhen the truck is turningand the chances of

damage to your vehicle, injury ordeath is increased. Stay where youcan be seen so you can be safe.

Sharing the road with animals

Each year there are a numberof serious crashes involvinghorses and other farm animals.

Horses

Slow down and watch out forhorses being led or driven on the road – leave as much space as possible to allow forunexpected movements by the horse.

Never use your car horn around horses – it may startleeven the most placid horse andcould cause it to bolt and causean accident.

Farm animals on roads

A Give Way To Stock sign maybe displayed on country roadsto enable stock such as cows orsheep to move across or alongthe road.

133

HOT TIP

Warning signs are also displayedon the approaches to permanentstock crossings.

When a Give Way To Stock signis displayed, you must travel ata safe speed that will enable youto slow down or stop to avoid acollision with any animal eitherat or near the sign or within thedistance shown on the sign.

When a Stop sign is displayedat a stock crossing, you muststop before reaching thecrossing and must not proceeduntil all animals have crossedthe road.

Railway levelcrossings

Look and listen for trains whenthere is a crossing ahead. Driveslowly, at a speed which willallow you to stop if necessary.

The following information alsoapplies to tram level crossings.Obey the tram level crossing signs.

Gates, booms and flashing lights

134

Where there are gates, booms,or flashing lights at railwaylevel crossings, you must notcross until signals have stoppedflashing and the gates or boomsare fully open.

Keep clear of the train tracks

If there is traffic stopped on theother side of the railwaycrossing, you must not crossunless there is room for yourvehicle on the other side –otherwise you could be stuckon the tracks in the path of anoncoming train.

Where there are no gates,booms or flashing lights

At some railway level crossings,particularly in the country,where there are no gates,

booms or flashing lights, takeextra care. Slow down. Lookand listen for trains in bothdirections. Usually there arewarning signs placed well inadvance of these crossings.

Following other signs or directions

There may be other signs youmust obey at railway levelcrossings. These are usuallyeither Give Way or Stop signs.You should also stop if a railwayemployee signals you to stop.

Look both ways for trains

If you have stopped for a train,don’t move off until you havechecked that another train isnot following or coming theother way.

135

PARKING

Parking is not as easy

as it seems. So that you

don’t cause problems for

others or risk parking fines,

you need to observe and

interpret many types of

parking signs.

There are threetypes of parking:

1 Parallel parking

This is the usual way to parkunless signs tell you otherwise.You must park completelywithin the parking bay, in linewith and close to the kerb.

morethan

1 metre

more than 3 metres

less than 3 metres

Stopping or parkingregulations apply even if you have stopped orparked your car and have your hazard warning lights on.

If signs say it is illegal for you to be stopping or parking at a place, having your hazard warning lights on will not change this.

A person mmuusstt not cause a hazard to any person or vehicle by opening a door of a vehicle, leaving a door of a vehicle open, or exiting a vehicle.

136

FIGURE 58

When you park beside the road look out for cyclists before opening your car door. Look out for cyclists before you drive out of your parking space.

If parking bays are not marked,you must:

• leave one metre between you and the vehicles in front and behind

• park with your vehicle facing the direction of travel of vehicles next to where your vehicle is parked

• not unreasonably obstruct the path of other vehicles or pedestrians.

2 Angle parking

You must park at the angleindicated by the signs or markedbays. Where no angle is indicatedby signs or marked bays, youmust park at a 45°angle.

3 Centre of road parking

You must drive in forwards and drive out forwards.Do not reverse out of thesespots, unless a sign indicatesyou may do so.

137

FIGURE 59 FIGURE 60

Parking control signs

Parking signs

Parking signs tell you whetheror not you can park, for how long,during which hours, and if youhave to pay. Some parking signsprovide more details than others.

General parking signs

A sign with the letter ‘P’ onlymeans you can park without atime limit.

Any number next to the ‘P’indicates the amount of timeyou can park. For example, thesign above left indicates a fiveminute parking limit, whilst thesign on the right shows a onehour limit.

The parking limits apply duringthe periods shown on the sign.For example, the five minuteparking sign on the left meansthat parking is allowed for a fiveminute period between the

hours of 9am and 4pm fromMonday to Friday. Outside thattime period parking is allowedwith no restrictions.

The 1P sign on the rightindicates a one hour time limitduring the hours of 9am to12noon on Saturdays. Any othertime you are free to park in thatarea with no restrictions.

Meter Parking

An individual parking meternext to your vehicle means youmust pay as instructed on theparking sign or meter.

A group meter for the parkingarea nearby means you mustpurchase a ticket. Follow theinstructions on the meter orsign. Some group meters printout a ticket you must display onyour dashboard.

22

138

Other group meters requireyour parking bay number(marked on the road) andelectronically record your feepaid and time allowed.

All meters are checkedregularly by parking inspectors.

Parking for disabled

Parking bays with this sign orthat are indicated by a roadmarking have been set aside toallow disabled persons easyaccess to places such as shops,libraries or community centres.You must not park in these

reserved parking spots withouta valid disabled permit.

Where not to park

No Parking signs

You are allowed two minutes ina No Parking area only if youremain within three metres ofthe vehicle and you are pickingup or dropping off passengers;otherwise if you stop, you areconsidered to have parked,even if you stay in the vehicle.

No Stopping signs

These tell you that you must notstop at the kerb for any reason.

139

Clearways

Clearways help traffic movefaster during peak times.

Clearway sign used at start of clearway

This sign is used within the clearway

On the signs the letter ‘C’ means clearway – you mustnot stop here for any reasonduring the hours and daysnoted on the sign.

Zone signs

Loading Zone sign

Unless another limit is specifiedon the sign, a loading zone isonly for goods carryingvehicles with a ‘G’ codeincluded on their registrationlabels, signed delivery andcourier vehicles, trucks whiledropping off or picking up

goods and public passengervehicles or taxis that aredropping off or picking uppassengers (30 minute limit oras shown on the sign).

Truck Zone sign

Only for trucks with a grossvehicle mass over 4.5 tonnes.No time limit is applied for atruck loading or unloadinggoods.

140

Bus Zone sign

Only for public buses.

Permit Zone sign

Only for vehicles displaying avalid permit for that zone issuedby the relevant authority.

Taxi Zone sign

Only for taxis.

Works sign

Only for vehicles engaged inconstruction work in or nearthe zone.

Tow away zones

Typical use of Tow Away Zone signs

141

A Tow Away zone means yourvehicle will be towed away ifyou park at this spot during thetimes specified. Not only do youpay a parking fine, you also needto pay a fee to reclaim your car.

General stopping andparking rules

You must not leave a vehiclestationary:

• double parked

• where there is a Keep Clear road marking

• within an intersection (except on the continuous side of a continuing road of a T-intersection)

• on freeways (except in an emergency stopping lane)

• across a lane or private driveway

• where you would leave less than three metres of road clear for traffic

• on the wrong side of the road, ie. on the far right side of a two-way road

• on a footpath or reservation (unless the vehicle is a motorcycle or bicycle)

• in a bus lane

• half in, half out of a No Parking or No Stopping area

• opposite continuous double white lines

• opposite a continuous white line next to a broken white line with the continuous line closer to you

142

• within 20 metres of:

– both sides of an intersectionwith traffic lights

– the approach side of a bus stop

– the approach side of a children’s crossing

– both sides of a level crossing

– the approach side of a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection

• within 10 metres of:

– an intersection without traffic lights

– the approach side of a tram stop sign

– the departure side of a bus stop sign

– both sides of a safety zone

– the approach side of traffic lights not at an intersection

– the departure side of a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection

– the departure side of a children’s crossing

• within three metres of an Australia Post mail box

• within three metres of the departure side of a crossing with traffic lights not at an intersection

• within one metre of a fire hydrant

• on a curve or crest outside a built-up area unless visible for 100 metres from behind, or unless signs allow

• next to a continuous yellow edge line.

143

PENALTIES

All traffic offences

will result in some type

of penalty.

These include monetary

fines, loss of your learner

permit or licence, or you

may be taken to court.

Many offences also

attract demerit points.

In most serious cases

prison sentences may

be imposed.

A licence or learner permit maybe suspended or cancelled as aresult of:

• a Court conviction

• a Traffic Infringement Notice

• accumulation of demerit points

• action taken by the Sheriff’s Office

• action taken by VicRoads.

If a licence or learner permit isnot held, a person may bedisqualified from obtaining alicence or a learner permit for aspecified period.

A person who has their licenceor learner permit suspended orcancelled by a Court, a TrafficInfringement Notice, theSheriff’s Office or by VicRoadsis not permitted to drive. Severepenalties exist if driving whilesuspended, unlicenced, orwhilst disqualified (up to $3,000

or four months imprisonmentfor a first offence andmandatory imprisonment for upto two years for a secondoffence).

The following provides asummary of the actions thatmay arise from a traffic offence.Contact VicRoads for furtherinformation.

Suspend

The licence or learner permit iswithdrawn for a specifiedperiod. You can not drive duringthis period. In most cases theoriginal licence or learnerpermit is returned. However, ifthe suspension has resulted in achange to the conditions of thelicence, a new licence will needto be issued (see Penalties forprobationary licences holders,page 146).

144

Cancel

A licence or learner permit thatis cancelled is no longer valid.You can not drive. Once theperiod of cancellation is over,you will need to apply to haveyour licence or learner permitreissued before you can startdriving again.

Reissue of the licence orlearner permit may require oneor more of the following actionsto be completed:

• knowledge of road law and/ or practical driving test

• an order from a Court to be relicensed

• an education course to be completed

• other requirements as specified by VicRoads.

Disqualify

Permission to apply for alicence or learner permit iswithdrawn (if one is not held)as a result of a cancellation orsuspension.

Imprisonment

In some cases, a Court mayimpose a jail term as well as amonetary fine.

PERIN Court

The role of the PERIN Court isto administratively resolveunpaid infringement notices.These offences generally havefixed penalties and includeparking offences and drivingoffences.

Sheriff’s Office

The role of the Sheriff’s Officeis to enforce court orders,collect fines and civil debts.This may include the seizureand sale of assets, licencesuspension or, as a final option,imprisonment.

Demerit points

Demerit points are one type ofpenalty that will be recordedagainst your driver licence orlearner permit when youcommit certain traffic offencesanywhere in Australia.

Demerit points range from one to ten depending on theseverity of the offence.

145

You need

never know

about these

things…

but that’s

up to you

and the way

you decide

to drive

Learner and probationarydrivers who incur 5 or moredemerit points in any 12 monthperiod may have their licencesuspended for at least 3 months.

This gives novice drivers theopportunity to learn from theirmistake, but makes licence lossa reality for persistentoffenders.

If you get 12 or more demeritpoints in a 3 year period, youmay have your licence orlearner permit suspended for atleast 3 months.

Further information and a fulllist of offences and demeritpoints can be found at VicRoadsweb site: www.vicroads.gov.au

Penalties for learnerpermit holders

If a learner permit is cancelledor suspended, it may affect thepermit holder’s eligibility toapply for a licence, as a learnerpermit must be held for acontinuous period in the threeor six months immediatelybefore applying for a licence.Any break within this three orsix month period means thatthe permit has not been heldfor the required time periodprior to licence application.

Penalties forprobationary licenceholders

If your first probationary licenceis suspended or cancelled in thefirst 12 months, your licence will be restricted, preventingyou from carrying more thanone passenger in your vehiclefor 12 months after you getyour licence back.

If your probationary licence iscancelled, your licence will bereissued as a probationarylicence for a further full threeyear term.

146

Penalties for fulllicence holders

When a full licence is cancelled,a full licence will be reissuedwhen all relicensingrequirements have been met.

If a Court Order is required tobe produced due to an alcoholor drug driving related offence,then a three year zero bloodalcohol restriction will beimposed on the licence when itis reissued.

LEGALRESPONSIBILITIES

As the holder of a licence

or learner permit, there

are a number of additional

legal responsibilities you

must fulfil.

Carry your licence

You must carry yourprobationary licence wheneveryou drive.

Change of name

You must notify VicRoadswithin 14 days when your namehas changed.

This can only be done in personat any VicRoads CustomerService Centre. It must besupported by originaldocuments along with either a photo licence or documentsthat prove your identity.

The following documents areacceptable for a change of name:

• Marriage Certificate (issuedby the Registrar of Births,Deaths and Marriages inAustralia)

147

• Divorce Papers

• Deed Poll (pre 1 November 1986 in Victoria)

• Change of Name Registration(after 1 November 1986 in Victoria)

• Guardianship Order

• Adoption Paper

• Birth Certificate (issued after 26 June 2000 in Victoria shows the change of name details on the back of the certificate).

Change of address

You must notify VicRoadswithin 14 days when yourresidential or postal address has changed. You may changeyour address in one of thefollowing ways:

1 By calling VicRoadsTelephone numbers can befound on pages 8 – 9.

2 By attending in person at any VicRoads CustomerService Centre See the list on the inside back cover.

3 On the VicRoads homepagewww.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Notification of adisability

You must notify VicRoads ifyou have an illness or disabilitythat may impair your ability todrive safely.

You will need to provide acurrent medical certificate fromyour treating medicalpractitioner that states yourfitness to drive and providesdetails of your illness anddisability. Standard medical oreyesight report forms areavailable from any VicRoadsCustomer Service Centre or bycalling VicRoads. These formsare also available on theVicRoads website.

148

Air and noisepollution

You must ensure any vehicleyou drive meets relevant air and noise emmission standards.Drivers of offending vehiclesmay be fined or taken to courtand the owner may be issuedwith a notice to repair thevehicle.

CRASHRESPONSIBILITIES

If you are involved in a

crash causing death or

injury and do not stop and

give assistance, you can be

fined up to $8000 and/or

be imprisoned for up to two

years. You will also lose

your licence for at least

two years.

If you are involved in a

crash there are certain

things you mmuusstt do

immediately after

the crash.

What you mmuusstt doafter a crash

• Stop immediately.• Give assistance to any

injured person.• Provide name, address,

registration number details and the vehicle owner’s nameto the other parties involved in the crash, or their representative, and to the police (if in attendance).

• If anyone is injured and the police are not in attendance, you must report the crash to the nearest open policestation.

• If there is any property damage and the owner (orpolice) are not present, youmust report the crash to the nearest open police station.

149

There are other things youshould do at a crash scene to prevent other people getting hurt, and to help thosepeople involved in the crash (see First aid after a crash onthis page).

There are emergency phones onthe side of the road on mostfreeways throughout Victoria.These are called VicRoads ‘Help Phones’ and can be used 24 hours a day for vehiclebreakdowns or any other kindof emergency. The phones are directly linked to theVicRoads Traffic Control andCommunications Centre.

FIRST AID AFTER A CRASH

The following first aid

information is based on

current Red Cross teaching

in line with Australian

Resuscitation Council

guidelines.

These guidelines are

intended to provide the

basic principles for an

untrained person to assist

at a crash site and/or

attempt resuscitation.

To call an ambulance, police or fire brigade, phone 000.

To call a tow truck, phone 13 1176.

150

To learn basic first aid such

as EAR (Expired Airways

Resuscitation) and CPR

(Cardio Pulmonary

Resuscitation) you will

need to undertake an

appropriate course.

Applying first aid after a crash

Many of us may need treatmentafter a road crash at some stageof our lives. Whether or not wesurvive until trained helparrives may well depend onsomebody’s willingness to givefirst aid.

3 things that couldsave a life...

1. Keeping a person’sairway open and clear

2. Making sure that theyare breathing

3. Stopping heavy bleeding

Read these simple instructionsnow and keep this handbook inyour car. Someone else may useit to help you in an accident.

If you are at a crashsite, try to remaincalm and...

• remember that acting quicklyis important

• if necessary, call for anambulance, or send someoneto call them

• ask if there is anybodytrained in first aid at thecrash site and if not, and youare first on the crash scene,follow the following steps.

151

152

1. Survey the scene• is the area safe for you to

approach?• ask bystanders to help make

area safe• count the number of people

who are injured• call an ambulance (dial 000)

or send someone to call them• ask if there is anybody

trained in first aid at thecrash site.

2. Make the crashscene safe andprotect the area

• position your car with itshazard lights flashing, towarn other motorists, or useheadlights to light up thescene if necessary.

• send someone down the roadto warn approaching traffic,and turn off the ignition indamaged vehicles

3. Check the victimscheck airway- open the victim’s mouth and

check for any loose orobstructive objects eg loosedentures, vomit, blood etc.,clear from airway

- if airway is clear, tilt the headback, and check for breathing

check breathing- look for the rise and fall of the

chest- listen for breathing- feel for the victim’s breath on

your cheek- continue to maintain an open

airway- if the victim is not breathing

begin mouth to mouthresuscitation (see page 154).

check circulation- feel for the victim’s pulse by

placing two fingers on theirneck (below the jawbone) orinside the wrist.

Four ways you can help victimsafter a crash:

1. Survey the scene

2. Make the crash scene safeand protect the area

3. Check the victims - checkairway, breathing andcirculation

4. Stop the heavy bleeding

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For conscious victims:

• talk to the victim, tell themyour name and reassurethem

• if there is no response, gently touch the victim onthe shoulders, give a simplecommand eg. “squeeze myhands” to see if they canrespond

• check for and control anyheavy bleeding (see Stopheavy bleeding, page 155)

For conscious, breathingvictims still in the vehicle:

• if you are certain that thevehicle and surrounds aresafe, and the victim is eitherconscious and/or breathing,they do not have to beunnecessarily removed untilspecialist help arrives,unless circumstancesarise, ie:

- they stop breathing

- their condition worsens

- it is no longer safe for themto stay in the vehicle.

For unconscious, breathingvictims outside the vehicle:

• keep a close eye on them tomake sure their airway isclear and they are stillbreathing, whilst waiting forthe ambulance to arrive

• if the victim is lying on theground, it is vital to keepthem on their side in a stableposition

• with their head tilted backand face pointed down inorder to maintain an openairway.

For victims unconscious and NOT breathing:

Even if the victim is injured,you will need to remove themfrom the vehicle to perform thefollowing steps on next page:

If a victim inside or outside avehicle, must be moved toescape danger, or for you togive mouth to mouth, do socarefully and gently becauseof the risk of spinal injury orincreased bleeding

154

Mouth to MouthResuscitation

With victim on their back, check airway...

1. Tilt the head back fully to open with airway

2. Cover the victim’s mouthwith your mouth blockingtheir nose with your cheek

3. Breathe into the victim untilthe chest begins to rise

4. Remove your mouth (make sure the chest falls)

5. Give five normal breathswithin 10 seconds

6. Check to see if victim is nowbreathing by watching forchest rise and fall, whilst atthe same time, checkingpulse. Check for at least 10seconds.

If the victim is still notbreathing...

7. Continue to breathe forvictim at 1 breath every 4 seconds (15 per minute)

8. After 1 minute, check for breathing and pulse, if still not breathing,continue until the ambulancearrives

Note If performing mouth to mouth resuscitation onchildren, use minimal head tiltand small breaths. For infants,give small puffs and do NOTuse head tilt.

155

4. Stop heavy bleeding

Heavy bleeding of any type canbe fatal. Heavy external bleedingrequires quick action as follows:

To stop external bleeding:

• locate where the blood iscoming from

• apply firm pressure where theblood is coming from, usingwhatever clean cloth isavailable, eg. an item ofclothing, to make a pad.

• if possible tie the pad firmly inplace

• if possible, raise the injuredarea. This may reduce or helpto stop the bleeding

In an emergency, when glovesare not available and you haveto control bleeding:

• ask the victim to help byapplying pressure or byplacing a dressing or otherclean dry cloth between yourhands and the wound

• Always give first aid carein ways which protect youand the victim fromdisease transmission.

• Use protective barriers(for example disposablegloves or face mask)which are appropriate tothe emergency.

• When gloves are notavailable and you have tocontrol bleeding, ask thevictim to help you byapplying pressure, orplacing a dressing orother clean dry clothbeween your hand and the wound.

• Wash your handsthoroughly as soon aspossible after giving first aid.

• Avoid touching or beingsplashed by body fluidswhere possible.

TEST YOURSELFQUESTIONS

The questions you will find

in this section are examples

of the type of questions

you will be asked.

The actual test questions

are not the ones asked in

this handbook.

(The answers to Test YourselfQuestions are upside down at thebottom of the next page).

Q1 In good conditions, a safe following distance is:

A at least 1 second behind the car in front

B at least two seconds behind the car in front

C at least two car lengths from the car in front

Q2 If the police stop you at a random breath test station, you must take a breath test:

A when you are asked to do so

B only if you have been drinking

C only if you have been speeding

Q3 Driving can best be described as:

A an easy task that just about everyone can do

B a task which most people can learn after a fewlessons over several weeks

C a complicated task

Q4 Supervised learner drivers:

A are more at risk of being involved in a crash causing injury than probationary drivers

B have the same risk of being involved in a crash causing injury as do probationary drivers

C are amongst the safest drivers on the roads

156

Q5 Are your responsibilities the same for a school crossing as for a pedestrian crossing?

A Yes, in both cases you may drive on after giving way to pedestrians

B No, at a children’s crossing you must stop and remain stopped until the crossing is completely clear of pedestrians

C No, at a children’s crossing you have to give way only to children

Q6 A headcheck is:

A making eye contact with other road users so that you know they have seen you

B looking quickly over your shoulder to look out the side windows

C a place behind the driver that can’t be seen by usingthe mirrors

Q7 To make the most of your learning when you have received your learners permit, it is best to take:

A frequent drives with your supervising driver

B the occasional long drive with your supervising driver

C regular drives with you supervising driver, at times when the traffic is light and it is not raining

Q8 The likelihood of a crash is almost halved after:

A 6-8 months of solo driving experience

B 1 year of solo driving experience

C 2-3 years of solo driving experience

Q9 What is the best way to check the crashworthiness of a new or used car?

A check cars safety rating at www.howsafeisyourcar.com.auor in the Australian New Car Assessment Program or the Used Car Safety Rating brochures.

B ask your parents or a friend

C ask the person you’re buying the car from

157Answers: Q1 B, Q2 A, Q3 C, Q4 C, Q5 B, Q6 B, Q7 A, Q8 A. Q9 A