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Safe driving tips

Breakdown Safety

If you see a broken down vehicle

Remember to slow down and be cautious if you see flashing amber hazard lights on the side of the road.

  • Flashing amber warning lights on cars are used to draw your attention to a hazard. They are used by breakdown service vehicles, including tow trucks.
  • When you pass a stationary breakdown service vehicle with flashing amber lights:
    • slow to 25 km/h
    • remain patient
    • pass with care.
  • Drive safely past a breakdown to help you protect yourself and everyone around you.
  • Ensure the gap between your car and the car on the side of the road is adequate.
  • Slow down to at least 25 km/h if you are:
    • passing a stationary emergency vehicle that has flashing blue or red lights
    • driving between two sets of flashing blue or red lights.
  • Look for workers on or near the road and let them do their work safely.

If your vehicle breaks down

If your vehicle breaks down and you need roadside assistance, there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe and minimise the risk for others:

  • Be vigilant - it is often difficult for other vehicles to stop in a hurry, so assess the area for risks and hazards.
  • Find a safe spot to pull over. Park the car as far left as possible.
  • Make sure you can be seen. Turn on your hazard lights. Turn on your parking lights in poor light, or raise your bonnet.
  • If you have to stay in your car, keep your seatbelt on. Move to the passenger seat if possible.
  • If it's safe to leave the car, try to exit from the left passenger side. Move to the far left of the road, away from your car and behind a safety barrier if possible while waiting for help.
  • If you need to change a flat tyre or check under the bonnet of your car, remain aware of other cars driving past. If it's not safe, call for roadside assistance.

Penalties

Under S45 Road Traffic Act 1961, a person must not drive a vehicle without due care or attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

Using portable warning triangles

Australian Road Rules 227 explains the use of portable warning triangles in vehicles over 12 tonnes.

If the triangles are not properly placed, the driver could face prosecution and would be held liable for any crash that results from a failure to comply with these requirements.

More information

Country Driving Tips

Hazardous driving situations

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