School Zones

The Reasons that Children are Unreliable Pedestrians

As the school holidays wrap up, it’s a timely reminder to slow down on the roads, particularly around schools. To ensure the highest level of pedestrian safety, motorists must maintain a speed of no more than 40km per hour in these areas to help protect our kids.

According to a paper published by the Australian Automobile Association “Most child pedestrian deaths result from an error made by the child”, which is likely due to their unpredictable behaviour on, and near, roads. Children can be more at risk than adults due to number of developmental factors, including -

·       Poor ability to judge the distance and speed that a vehicle is travelling;

• ·       Being more easily distracted by surroundings,
• ·       Underdeveloped peripheral vision, meaning they cannot always see vehicles approaching;
• ·       Vulnerability in regards to body size and strength in comparison to that of road traffic.

By slowing down in school zones, drivers give themselves more time to stop a car in an emergency situation. For example, if a child ran out onto the road without looking (as they are highly likely to do), a car travelling at 40km/h is more likely to be able to stop in time than a car travelling at 60km/h.

One of the factors affecting the efficiency of school speed zones is driver knowledge of where they are and when they are enforced, so be sure to make yourself aware. Follow this simple guide to school zones -

·       School zones are marked by road signs, pedestrian crossings and in many areas, flashing electronic signs or lights;

·       They operate Monday to Friday within school terms, including Staff Development/Student Free Days;

·       The standard school zone times are between 8am - 9:30am and 2:30pm - 4pm, but always read the signage as this may vary.

As a motorist, it is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of the road rules, your surroundings and that your car is kept in good working order. Ignorance is not an excuse. 

Contact us today for a complete safety inspection of your vehicle. http://www.cooperautomotive.com.au/

5 Surprising Ways you can Lose Points on your License

The devil, they say, is in the detail. As a driver, if you are not aware of all the rules you could be at risk of a fine, losing your licence or even injuring yourself or another person. Here are five of the lesser-known rules of the road to illustrate our point.

1. You can be fined and lose three points for not wearing your seatbelt, even if the car is not moving.  Resist the temptation to unbuckle your seat belt at the lights and make a grab for something on the back seat.

2. As a driver you will be fined if one of your passengers is not wearing their seatbelt, even if the car is not moving.  If you don’t provide your passengers with properly working seatbelts then you will also lose points.

3. Speeding is of course a well-known offense but did you know that if you exceed the speed limit by 45 km per hour you can lose six points and get of whopping fine of $900? You might think that you’re not likely to be going that fast, but it is surprisingly easy to do when coming off a freeway or other fast road.

4. You can lose three points off your licence and get a $300 fine for just HOLDING a phone while driving, even if you are not using it. 'Holding' includes resting the mobile on the driver's lap, or between the chin and shoulder or even passing the phone to a passenger.

5.  Did you know that an amber traffic signal means stop?  It doesn’t mean speed up to get through the intersection before the light turns red.  You can only continue to drive through the intersection if lights turn amber when you are so close that stopping may cause a crash.

Brush up on more road rules here: http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/publications/tasmanian_road_rules/road_safety_rules/new_offences_table

Keeping Pets Safe in Cars

Travelling with pets in your vehicle is sometimes a necessity. Whether it’s to the vet, the park or on a long haul journey, keeping them and you safe is of utmost importance. Failing to restrain animals properly is illegal and can cause an accident involving harm to your pet, yourself, your passengers, bystanders and your car. By taking these precautions you can help keep everyone safe.

Travelling with dogs

·      Prior to travel - Just like a child, ensure your dog is fed and has been to the bathroom. Keeping them calm and making sure their immediate needs are met before you leave will allow them to settle easier in the car. A little exercise beforehand is a good idea too, so that your dog is happy to have a rest once inside your car.

·      Restraints - It is mandatory in all states of Australia to have your dog properly restrained so they cannot interfere with your concentration while driving. No matter how small, a dog sitting on your lap is a big no-no! Dog restraints can be purchased from pet stores and tethered to the back seat belts or onto the back of your utility tray. If your dog is small enough for a pet carrier, it must be kept secure behind a cargo barrier in the rear of your wagon or with a seatbelt around it. Pet carriers can become lethal weapons in an accident if left unrestrained.

·      Water and food - Be sure to take a small container of water and some snacks for your dog, particularly on a long trip. Becoming dehydrated or hungry may upset your dog and see them become anxious during travel. Taking a rest break for some exercise and food is also a good idea on an extended journey, helping your dog to resettle and remain calm throughout.

Travelling with cats and other small pets

·      Apply these tips to cats and other small animals when travelling too. The main thing to remember about these types of animals is they cannot sit in a restraint as dogs can. Instead, they must be transported in an animal carrier, properly secured behind the cargo barrier or with a seatbelt. Cats and smaller animals love to hide, so if they are let out of the carrier they can easily upset your concentration and get into unsafe places such as behind the steering wheel or under the pedals. Very dangerous!

Happy travelling!

A safe way for small dogs

Better for the larger dogs!