KIDS

 

If children are on board, make sure they are suitably restrained by an authorised seatbelt. 

Drivers are solely responsible that children are suitably restrained in a vehicle in accordance with current laws in WA

• Aged 0 to 6 months should be restrained in a rearward facing child restraint 

• 6 months to 4 years of age must be restrained in either a rearward or forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness.

• Aged 4 years to 7 years of age need to be restrained in either a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat restrained by a correctly adjusted seat belt or child safety harness.

• Aged 7 years to 16 years are either in a booster seat with lap sash seatbelt or a seatbelt.

• Also, kids under 7 years of age must not be in the front row of the seats if the vehicle has multiple rows of seats

• Children seven years and over can be restrained in an adult seat belt or booster seats.

If a child is not wearing a seat belt or a suitable child restraint as required by the law, then the driver risks being fined and incurring demerit points. Before you purchase or install a child restraint, make sure it complies with Australian Standards.

For more information about fitting child restraints check the Department of Transport WA guidelines.

 

PETS

 

If your dog is coming, make sure it is behind a suitable cargo barrier or have an appropriate pet harness. Pets shouldn’t be able to move freely around the vehicle as they can distract the driver. Also, keep your windows partially open especially in summer.

 

TOWING

 

When you load your trailer/caravan, the weight should be even over the wheels/axle of the trailer. The tow vehicle should be level when everything is hooked up and loaded. It is crucial to check tire pressure and if not sure, speak to your local tire specialist. Most importantly, double check that everything is hooked up properly before you drive off. 

 

FATIGUE

 

If you have had a late night, get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel. Fatigue affects your decision making and the ability to control a vehicle. If you are too tired while driving, there is a serious chance of falling asleep at the wheel. Pull over, take a nap and arrive alive. At Auto and Manual Driving School we make sure that our instructors are not tired while teaching.

 

SEAT BELTS

 

These are vital when things go wrong. Make sure that all passengers understand that belts need to be on at all times while seated in the car. Make sure that belts are in good condition if you have an older car. It pays to have them checked and replace them if necessary. By law, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts if they are fitted in the vehicle. Seat belts are designed to be used by only one person at a time. Doubling up, fastening a seat belt around two people is both illegal and unsafe. Seat belts must be worn on every trip, long or short. 

 

TYRES

 

A Quick and Easy Safety Measure Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tires and replace them when they are worn. This will guarantee maximum traction and grip, helping you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

Your safety potentially depends on a right level of tread depth because:

 

• The tread grooves disperse water from underneath your tire, helping maintain control

• The more tread depth you have remaining on your tires, the more water you can disperse and therefore reduce the risk of aquaplaning

• Correct air pressure, as well as regular vehicle maintenance, will ensure your tires perform at their best for the longest possible time

• The tread grips to the road, affecting the distance you require for braking

• Make sure tire pressure is correct, check the pressure of all tires, including your spare, monthly and before any long journey, preferably when your tires are cold. If they are hot, it is advisable to add 4-5 psi (0.3 bars) to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Low pressure increases the risk of damage to your tires

• Excess pressure of 20% can reduce the life of your tire by up to 10,000 km

• Correct tire pressure will even save fuel

 

WIPER BLADES

 

Worn wiper blades are dangerous. Because 90% of your driving decisions are based on a clear, unobstructed view of the road, it's a critical safety concern that your car's wipers provide you with the cleanest windscreen possible. Rubber deteriorates over time, they lose their flexibility and are less able to wipe cleanly. They may develop a permanent set or curvature, which prevents full contact with the glass.