Transport and Main Roads

The essential driving companion

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Contents

Introduction Safe drivers are good drivers You cant drive straight on drugs Safe drivers dont speed Seatbelts and child restraints Wake up to the signs of driver fatigue Driven to distraction Your vehicle Planning ahead Pull your weight safely Drive to the conditions Intelligent Transport Systems/Free-flow tolling Share the road Your fitness to drive A road rules refresher course Want to know more?

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Living in a large state such as Queensland means driving is an important part of life for most of us. Many of us cover large distances for work, holidays and recreation. From gravel outback roads to city freeways, this guide includes valuable information that will make driving safer.
Unfortunately, death and injuries on our roads are a heartbreaking reality. They happen to real people just like you and your family. The even bigger tragedy is road trauma can be avoided. The better educated you are about road safety, the better driver you become and the greater your chances of survival. Speeding, driving tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unbuckled, have all been identified as contributing factors for a large proportion of road crash fatalities and hospitalisations. This guide gives you information about how to avoid the consequences of these behaviours, valuable tips on holiday driving, and basic road rules to help you arrive at your destination safely. Please take the time to read it, keep it in your glove box and refer to it regularly. Take care on the road and drive safely. Be here for life. Visit www.hereforlife.qld.gov.au for safe driving tips.

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Safe drivers are gooddrivers

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Alcohol and bitumen dont mix

Drink driving is inexcusable. It has been responsible for so much death, injury and heartache. The cost is immeasurable. Tragically, alcohol is a contributing factor in about a quarter of all fatal crashes. It affects your judgement, vision, coordination and reflexes. Never drive if you think you may be over the alcohol limit. Not only is it extremely dangerous, its illegal. If you drive when you are over the blood alcohol limit, you may be charged. If you are convicted, youll face serious penalties and consequences: your driver licence will be cancelled you will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a further driver licence for a stated period you will be fined and may be jailed.

How to avoid drink driving

If youre planning to drink, plan alternative travel catch a taxi or public transport, arrange a lift with a non-drinking driver or organise to stay overnight. Discourage friends or family from driving when they have been drinking. Nominate one person in your group as the sober driver. Do not mix drugs and alcohol.

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Standard drinks rule

Use the standard drinks rule as a guide to stay under the 0.05 limit. Remember, this is a guide only and some people can drink less and still be over the 0.05 limit. Men can generally consume two drinks in the first hour and one drink every subsequent hour. Women can generally have one drink in the first hour and one every hour after that. Always check the blood alcohol content (BAC) requirements for your licence class.

One standard drink of full strength beer (285ml)

One standard drink of wine (100ml)

One standard drink of spirits (30ml nip) in a mixer

One standard drink of spirits (30ml nip)

Please note: In 2010 the Queensland Government is proposing to introduce zero BAC requirements for all learner and provisional licence holders regardless of age. Keep up to date by visiting the Department of Transport and Main Roads website www.tmr.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.

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You cant drive straight on drugs

Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and can affect your driving ability.
From simple paracetamol and prescribed painkillers to illegal drugs, they all have the potential to affect your ability to drive safely. With side-effects such as slower reaction times, distorted perceptions of speed and distance, and reduced concentration and coordination why would you risk it? Police conduct random roadside saliva tests for illegal drugs such as marijuana, speed, ice and ecstasy.

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Safety tips
Mixing drugs with other drugs or alcohol can seriously affect your health and ability to drive safely. You may not feel intoxicated, but you could in fact be over the limit. Never drive after taking illegal drugs. Never drive after taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications that could affect your driving. Always ask your pharmacist if the prescription or over-the-counter drug you are about to use could impair your driving. If you take any drug and you are unsure of the effect of that drug on your ability to drive, dont drive use public transport, ask someone else to drive or catch a taxi.

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Safe drivers dont speed

Speeding is a major cause of crashes in Queensland. Every kilometre per hour over the limit affects whether a crash happens, and how severe it is.

The faster you drive the longer it takes to stop

Its a simple fact. If youre driving at 60km/h for example, it takes 56 metres to stop. At 65km/h it takes 63 metres to stop. That could be the difference between life and death.
50km/h 60km/h Vehicle speed 70km/h 80km/h 90km/h 100km/h 110km/h 0 21 25 29 33 37 42 46 20 40 60 80 21 31 42 55 70 85 104 100 120 140 42 m 56 m 71 m 88 m 107 m 127 m 150 m 160 Total stopping distance Reaction distance Braking distance

Distance in metres

How long it takes to stop (driving an average sized vehicle)

Following distance
You need a safety cushion around your vehicle to drive safely. If you follow another vehicle too closely and the driver ahead brakes suddenly, a crash may be difficult to avoid.

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You must keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you so you can stop, ifnecessary, to avoid a crash. Two seconds is the recommended minimum following distance when driving a car in ideal driving conditions. If towing a caravan or trailer, allow one extra second for each three metres of the caravan or trailer in ideal drivingconditions. Heavy vehicles need to allow a following distance of at least four seconds. Use the time-lapse method to keep a safe following distance by picking a mark on the road such as a power pole. When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the mark, count one thousand one, one thousand two (this should take about two seconds). If the front of your vehicle passes the object before you finish counting, you are too close and need to drop back.

Driving for the conditions

Regardless of the speed limit, you may need to drive much slower in wet or foggy weather, or in congestedconditions. Always consider the conditions and adjust your speed to suit. It is generally recommended that you double your following distance in wet or slippery conditions.

Speeding is expensive
Speeding can cost you a lot. If you are caught speeding you will be fined and accumulate demerit points. Accumulate 12 points or more in a three-year period on your Open licence and youll lose your licence. If you have a Learner or Provisional licence it only takes 4 points in one year before you lose your licence. Double demerit points apply to drivers caught more than 20km/h over the speed limit twice in 12 months. In Queensland, double demerit points are issued 365 days a year not just on public holidays.

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Seatbelts and child restraints

Seatbelts can improve your chance of surviving a serious crash by up to 50 per cent. Thats a compelling enough reason to buckle up even if youre just going around the corner.
Under Queensland law, everyone in a vehicle must wear a fastened seatbelt at all times. The penalty for failing to wear a seatbelt is three demerit points and a fine. The driver is also responsible for ensuring every passenger (regardless of age) wears a secured seatbelt or correctly fitted child restraint. The driver can be fined and accumulate demerit points for failing to do so.

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A good fit saves lives

Always wear your seatbelt correctly. A seatbelt worn incorrectly could cause neck, chest or abdominal injuries in a crash and wont be able to protect you as it is designed to do. Wear a seatbelt with the buckle low on the hip, the sash running from the shoulder across the chest and above the stomach, and the lap part sitting across the pelvis and the hips. Pregnant women must wear the seatbelt with the lap part over the thighs, across the pelvis and below the unborn child, and the sash above the stomach and between the breasts. Check your seatbelt is not twisted, frayed or loose. Everyone in the car must have their own seatbelt donot share a seatbelt. Replace the entire seatbelt assembly if the vehicle is involved in a severe crash.

Fitting your childs seatbelt isnt a game

Children are extremely vulnerable in a crash if they are not using an Australian Standards approved restraint or correctly fitted seatbelt. Selecting the appropriate restraint is only the first step in protecting your child. No restraint will work properly to prevent injury if it has not been fitted in accordance with the manufacturersdirections. From 11 March 2010, all children up to seven years of age must be secured in a child restraint, according to their age and size. For more information on child restraints and choosing the correct restraint for your child, visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/childrestraints.

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Sore eyes? Zoning out? Yawning?

Wake up to the signs of driver fatigue
Fatigue creeps up on drivers. Ignoring your bodys physical warning signs can result in a crash. It is vital that you are alert at all times no matter how short the trip. Knowing your bodys warning signs and planning your trip are the keys to your safety and survival on the road. Driving at times when you are normally sleeping is particularly dangerous. Peak times for fatigue crashes 2pm 4pm 10pm 6am

Danger signs
your car wanders across the road fumbling gear changes daydreaming unintentional increases or decreases in speed sore or heavy eyes dim or fuzzy vision general tiredness stiffness and cramps aches and pains seeing things droning and humming in ears delayed reactions.

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How do you prevent driving tired?

Take regular breaks from the wheel at least 15minutes every two hours is recommended. Pull into rest areas, tourist spots and Driver Reviver stops frequently. Avoid alcohol before and during the trip. Check medications with your doctor (in case they make you drowsy). Eat properly not too little, not too much. Sleep get plenty before your trip. Dont drive for more than ten hours in a day. Share the driving stop and swap drivers. Plan ahead arrange stops and rest overnight. As soon as you feel tired, stop and rest to prevent driving tired. Caffeine, fresh air and loud music wont stop you from being tired when you are driving. The only cure is to stop driving and rest.

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Driven to distraction
Distracted drivers are dangerous. Every year distracted drivers cause hundreds of crashes on Queensland roads. Anything that takes your attention or focus away from driving and the road is a distraction and can lead to a crash. Dont become complacent behind the wheel it only takes a split second to lose your concentration.

Common distractions
Seemingly harmless activities can have disastrous outcomes while driving. Here are a few common distractions to avoid while driving: changing music radio, CDs, MP3s programming navigation systems or reading astreetdirectory responding to children or other passengers requiring you to divert your eyes and attention off the road putting on make-up.

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Mobile phones
Driving with a mobile phone in your hand is illegal and will attract a fine and demerit points, even when you are stopped in traffic (for example, at traffic lights). This includes texting. If you want to use a mobile phone while the phone is in your hand, you must pull over to a safe place, park and turn off the engine. If it is too difficult or dangerous to pull over, let your message bank handle it. Hands-free mobile phone kits and two-way radios are permitted except as detailed below. However, you must always drive with care and attention. Learner and provisional drivers (in their P1 phase) who are under 25 are prohibited from using a mobile phone at any time while driving, including the use of hands-free kits, loudspeaker function and Bluetooth accessories. Supervisors and passengers of learner drivers, and passengers of provisional drivers (in their P1 phase) who are under 25, are also prohibited from using a mobile phone on loudspeaker. They can use a mobile phone where only a one-way conversation can be heard and not distract the driver.

Tips to avoid distraction

Plan ahead and make calls before you start driving or during rest breaks on longer trips. If you need to take a call, safely pull over first, use your hands-free or let your message bank handle it. If you have an MP3 player or GPS navigator in your vehicle set your play list or travel route before you start driving and pull over if you need to reprogram. Never take your eyes from the road to turn to talk to passengers in the rear seat. Keep children occupied by having soft toys, healthy snacks and drinks on hand, playing family games such as I Spy, taking regular stops and playing music they like.

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Your vehicle
Will your vehicle go the distance?
Whether you are going on a short or long distance trip, the car you drive and how well you maintain it affects your safety on the road.

Choosing a safe vehicle

Take the time to choose a safe vehicle. Each year there are more than 300 fatalities on Queensland roads. Some of the deaths and serious injuries could have been prevented, or their severity reduced, if they happened in asafe vehicle. Buying a car, either new or used, is a big decision to make. Remember to consider a vehicles design and safety features, and their ability to protect you and other road users in a crash, before you buy. So do yourhomework! Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) publishes a star ratings guide which can help you decide which new car is right for you. To download ANCAPs latest crash test results brochure visit www.ancap.com.au. If you are looking to buy a used car, check out its used car safety rating at www.transport.qld.gov.au/safetyratings. The Used Car Safety Ratings is a helpful buyers guide that compares vehicles based on actual crash test data collected from all over Australia.

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Look out for these safety features before you buy

a high ANCAP or used car safety rating electronic stability control (ESC) side and curtain airbags dual front airbags anti-lock braking system (ABS) 3-point seatbelts in all positions a cargo barrier if you are considering a station wagon.

Regular maintenance
Its a good idea to have your vehicle serviced and tuned regularly. Preparing your car before you hit the road is the basis for a reliable and safe vehicle.

Double check
tyres and tyre pressure (including your spare) lights windscreen wipers battery coolant levels hoses oil levels fuel lines. Have a wheel alignment and balance if necessary. Make sure you carry the tools required to change a flat tyre and make runningrepairs.

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Planning ahead
Be prepared
Queensland is the second largest state in Australia and many travellers often underestimate the distances involved. For instance, its nearly as far to drive from Brisbane to Cairns as it is from Brisbane to Melbourne. Taking the time to plan your trip before you leave can make your journey a much smoother, safer and enjoyableexperience. Calculate how long it will take to get to your destination. Determine all the stops you need along the way to allow for at least a 15 minute break every two hours.

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What to pack
If you are travelling long distances and particularly if you are heading into remote parts of Queensland, you should pack these items: first aid kit water (20 litres for emergency use and four litres per person per day) food, in case of delays or breakdown fire extinguisher tool kit (jack, wheel brace, spanners, screwdrivers, spare fan belt, hoses and fuses) two spare wheels tow rope shovel (in case you get bogged) maps compass or global positioning system (GPS) navigator tarpaulin cooler or portable fridge rubbish bags matches or lighter communication equipment (your mobile may not work in the outback) toilet paper. Note: The information provided should be treated asaguide only.

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Packing your vehicle

It is important not to restrict your visibility while driving in any way make sure the drivers view out the back window through the rear vision mirror is not obstructed by anyitems. Any loose items at the rear of a car, particularly in wagons, should be secured. Any sudden braking will instantly turn seemingly harmless items into dangerous projectiles. Nets, cages and cargo barriers are also a good preventative measure.

Fuel and food stops

On long distance journeys, take into account the availability of fuel and food supplies. If you are travelling vast distances in remote areas, plan to have enough fuel, food and water to last you between towns and servicestations.

Rest stops
Whether it is just to stretch your legs, eat, rehydrate or take a toilet break, having a break between long distance driving will help you keep awake and alert. Look out for Driver Reviver locations for a good opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs and have a free tea or coffee. To find out when and where Driver Reviver stops are operating in Queensland visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/ Driver_reviver.

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Pull your weight safely

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Towing a trailer or caravan

Towing a trailer or caravan requires extra concentration and skill. You should gain experience before trying to tow at high speed or in confined spaces. Consider a few small practice trips before heading off on a long trip. Vehicles towing caravans and driving too closely together make it hard for other motorists to overtake safely. Consider other motorists and allow plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.

Driving tips for towing

Changing lanes safely when towing:
Allow for the extra length and width of a trailer when entering traffic and allow for its tendency to cut in on corners and curves. Allow more time and distance to overtake because of the reduced performance of the towing vehicle and avoid cutting off the overtaken vehicle. Pull off the road where suitable, to avoid a build-up of traffic unable to overtake.

Handling caravan/trailer sway:

Apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently to avoid sway, especially in wet or slipperyconditions. Allow for the increased effects of cross-winds, passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces on the vehicle and trailer combination. Avoid applying the towing vehicles brakes if the trailer begins to sway or snake. If the trailer is fitted with brakes that can be operated independently, apply them gently. Otherwise, continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly (never exceeding the speed limit) until the sway stops.

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Braking safely when towing:

Leave a greater following distance to the vehicle ahead, increase the gap for longer, heavier trailers and allow even more distance in poor driving conditions (see the Safe drivers dont speed section for following distances for caravans and trailers). Engage a lower gear in both manual and automatic vehicles when travelling downhill to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes.

Restraining your load

As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to your passengers, other road users and yourself to ensure that the load youre carrying is securely restrained. If your load overhangs at the front, back or sides, check that the dimensions are legal at the Department of Transport and Main Roads website: www.tmr.qld.gov.au (search load overhang) or call 13 12 80.

It is unsafe and illegal to overload a trailer or caravan. You must ensure:

the aggregate trailer mass (ATM) specified by the trailer manufacturer is not exceeded tyre or tow coupling capacities are not exceeded lights, number plate and registration labels are not obscured in any way.

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General conditions to follow when loading a trailer:

For boat trailers, the length of the boat and mast behind the trailer axle must not exceed the length of boat in front of the axle. Caravans, horse floats and box trailers which have the axle group in the centre of the load space are not permitted to have loads, including spare wheels and bicycles overhanging the rear of the trailer. All loads must be correctly secured to trailers. Loads should be kept as low as possible and positioned as close to the axle as possible with about 60 per cent of the total mass forward of the centreaxle(s). About 10 per cent of the total mass of the trailer plus load should be supported by the tow vehicle through the coupling so the trailer drawbar is level or slightly nose down. To avoid trailer sway, do not concentrate the loads mass towards the end of the trailer.

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Drive to the conditions

Queensland may be known as the sunshine state, but our weather can change dramatically, even within the space of a short drive. Be prepared for different road conditions, particularly wet weather.

Wet conditions
When driving in wet weather, you should always remember that the signed speed limit is the maximum safe speed in ideal driving conditions, so you may need to reduce your speed in wet weather.

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Remember to: keep your windscreen and lights clean turn your headlights on when there is reduced visibility and use low beam. In foggy or misty conditions, its actually easier to see on low beam use your air-conditioner or demister to keep the windscreen clear of condensation avoid sudden braking, accelerating or turning manoeuvres to reduce chances of skidding make the best use of road line markings and post mounted road signs to help position your vehicle correctly on the road double your following distance to allow for greater reaction and stopping time if youre driving on outback or remote roads, try to keep one wheel on the bitumen due to the unstable nature of the road edges. Remember, its an offence to drive with your fog lights on in clear weather (day or night) and you risk being fined.

Driving through water

After heavy rain, sometimes roads can be closed. You should always obey signs closing roads to traffic for your own safety. If the road is flooded, do not attempt to cross. Wait until the level drops or use an alternative route. The force of flood water could sweep your vehicle away. Ignoring road signs may not only endanger lives, but you could find yourself facing a substantial fine. If you do drive through water, dry the brakes out by driving slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a shortdistance.

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Driving on country and remote roads

When driving in the country: Watch out for wildlife and livestock on roads, roadsides and near water crossings particularly at sunrise and after sunset. Watch out for tractors towing farm machinery, especially during harvest times. Dont stop on or near bridges, floodways or on narrow sections of roadway. Dont pull out onto the road when you see another vehicle approaching, wait until it has passed. Take note of any yellow warning signs and speed limit advisory signs, and adjust your speed appropriately, well before reaching the turn or hazard. Always slow down when approaching railway level crossings to check for trains (as many rural level crossings do not have boom gates).

Driving on unsealed roads

When driving on unsealed roads, you should be wary of: Varying surfaces such as gravel, sand or dirt because your vehicles tyres can lose traction. On these surfaces, decrease your speed and increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front. Dust clouds, which can affect your ability to seeclearly. Wet conditions, which can cause the road to become muddy, slippery and boggy.

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Driving on sand
Driving on sand is different to driving on hard surfaces. You need to be familiar with sand-driving techniques and how 4WDs handle on sand. Here are a few tips for drivingsafely: Normal road rules apply on beaches and inland tracks. Obey speed limits, wear seatbelts, never sit outside the moving vehicle, and remember beach traffic is two-way, so always keep left. Load your vehicle correctly with the heaviest items stored low. Vehicles with too much stored on roof racks can overturn. On soft sand and inland tracks, engage 4WD locking hubs, select low gears if it gets really soft, avoid sharp turns and sudden braking. You may also want to reduce your tyre pressure to maintain traction, dont forget to re-inflate to resume speed on hard surfaces. Use well-established tracks to reach the beach. Never park or drive across sand dunes this is illegal. Travel at low-tide on the beach or within two hours either side of low tide. Avoid salt water as you may get stuck, and stay on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark to get the firmestsurface. Avoid rocks, pools, washouts, landing aircraft, and watch out for pedestrians, wildlife and other vehicles. Vehicle permits are required on most beaches. Visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management for more information on permits and beach driving tips and restrictions at www.derm.qld.gov.au. Always carry a first-aid kit as medical assistance may be hours away in remote areas and remember in an emergency dial 000. Please note: Laws apply to 4WD hire vehicles on Fraser Island, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au (search Fraser Island).

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Intelligent Transport Systems

Making travel smarter

Travel and traffic information is broadcast through the Australian Traffic Network, available on the traffic hotline by phoning 13 19 40 and at www.131940.com.au. Information is also passed on to motorists via electronic variable message signs.

Road condition reporting service

Information on road conditions across the state is available on the RACQ website www.racq.com.au or by phoning 1300 130 595. This service reports on flood and road conditions, mainly in Queenslands rural areas.

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Free-flow tolling
Free-flow tolling is currently used on the Gateway and Logan motorways and on the CLEM7 tunnel. It will also be used on the Hale Street Link and the Airport Link, when they are operational. This system replaces cash toll booths with a no-stopping tolling system to ease congestion and improve travel times and motorists safety. On these motorways tolls are automatically calculated as you pass under a tolling point. Tolls are deducted or billed electronically using: an electronic tag in your vehicle video tolling technology where an image of your registration plate number is captured. Before you travel on tollways in Queensland it is best to purchase an appropriate tolling product from a tolling operator. Tags can be used on any tollway in Queensland and throughout Australia. If you use a tollway and do not have a tag or pre-paid toll product, contact the relevant toll road operator within the specified period of time (usually within 4872 hours) to arrange payment. The details of who to contact and when will be on road signage near the tollingpoint. If you do not arrange payment within these timeframes, the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent an invoice for the toll, plus a processing charge from the toll roadoperator.

Driving in tunnels
With the introduction of Brisbanes first cross river tunnel, the CLEM7, drivers should familiarise themselves with how to drive safely in tunnel environments by visiting the CLEM7 website www.clem7.com.au or www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

Key things to remember:

Switch on your headlights. Turn on your radio and listen for any announcements. Follow signage and obey speed limits. Avoid unnecessary lane changes or overtaking.

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Share the road. It takes two to tango.

Sharing with bicycles
Cyclists are road users too. They share the same rights as other vehicles and deserve the same respect and courtesy. Cyclists must also obey the road rules like other vehicles. Motorists should use common sense when sharing the road with cyclists. Remember, every person riding a bicycle equals one less car on the road. That means less traffic andpollution. Give way to cyclists at intersections, just as you would give way to a car. Cyclists can legally ride on any part of a marked lane leave them enough room and only overtake when you can do so safely. Two cyclists are legally allowed to ride beside each other on the road. Leave a safe distance between your vehicle and a cyclist when following, passing or overtaking. If there is a bicycle storage area (a section on the road usually painted green with a white bicycle symbol) at a set of traffic lights, cyclists are allowed to wait inside the storage area, in front of vehicles stopped at the intersection.

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Sharing with heavy vehicles

When you overtake a truck, dont cut in front of it and limit its braking space trucks need extra room to corner and brake. If a vehicle displays a DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE sign it is legally allowed to take up more than one lane to turn. If you cannot see the driver in a large vehicles side mirrors, the driver may not be able to see you. Recognise that large vehicles accelerate and brake slowly and make allowances for this. When a large vehicle is turning, keep back from the intersection as the vehicle will require more road space to make the turn. Be considerate of heavy vehicles and share the road.

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Dont tangle with a road train

These heavyweights can be up to 55 metres long (the length of ten cars). When overtaking a road train, expect it to stay on the bitumen and be prepared for it to sway from side to side. Motorists can share the road safely with road trains by following these simple rules: If there is an oncoming road train, slow down, pull over onto the shoulder of the road and stop, if necessary, to allow it to pass safely. When overtaking a road train flash your lights to warn the driver that you plan to overtake, allow at least one kilometre of clear road ahead, and beware of soft road shoulders, guide posts and wildlife.

Sharing with pedestrians

Its important to always be aware of pedestrians and share the road safely. Allow people with a disability or older pedestrians longer to cross the road. Lower your speed at night and be alert for people suddenly walking out on the road, especially in areas where alcohol might be served. Take care driving in areas where there are children, especially near schools and playgrounds. Watch out for children running out onto the road. Always stick to the speed limit around schools and stop at school crossings.

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Sharing with motorcycles

If youre a motorist, watch out for motorcyclists. On average, one in five Queensland road fatalities aremotorcyclists. Motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than other drivers. You can help look out for motorcyclists by following a few simple tips: watch for motorcycles when turning or at intersections make eye contact or acknowledge riders so they know they have been seen give motorcyclists enough room to manoeuvre use your mirrors and look ahead to make sure blind spots are clear when changing lanes check over your shoulder when you change lanes or turn and indicate well in advance remember if youre towing trailers or caravans you need to allow more room when changing lanes.

Animals
Dont swerve to avoid an animal on the road, as your vehicle may roll. Gently brake and slow down. Beep your horn to alert the animal. If you come across cattle and sheep on the road, stop and be patient. The animal may stop in the middle of the road to watch you approach perhaps beep your horn and the animal should soon move on.

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Jet Rowland
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Your fitness to drive

Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task requiring perception, good judgement, adequate responsiveness and reasonable physical capability. For your safety and the safety of others, you should only drive when you are medically fit to do so.
A range of medical conditions (mental and physical) may adversely affect your ability to drive safely, and could result in a crash causing death or injury. Follow your doctors advice and know your legal responsibilities before you drive on Queensland roads. Under Jets Law* you must promptly tell the Department of Transport and Main Roads of any long-term or permanent medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely. You must tell the department as soon as a condition develops or if there is a long-term increase or aggravation to an existing condition. You cannot wait until you renew your licence. Medical conditions that are likely to affect your driving ability include (but are not limited to) diabetes, epilepsy, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disease, psychiatric disorders, sleep disorders and stroke. If you think you may have a condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, as your first step, consult your health professional(s). The department can amend, suspend or cancel driver licences after receiving information about a drivers medical fitness, or may require drivers to carry a current medical certificate and drive in accordance with any conditions stated. For more information, or to obtain medical condition reporting forms visit your nearest Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre (or driver licence issuing centre) or call the department on 13 23 80, or visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/medicalconditions. *Jets Law has been named in honour of Jet Rowland; a 22 month old boy who tragically died after a driver with epilepsy had a seizure and crashed into the car that Jet andhis family were travelling in.

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A road rules refresher course

The basic rules always apply
you must give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections you must abide by traffic signs, lights and roadmarkings you must obey the speed limit a stop sign means that all wheels of your vehicle must come to a complete halt.

Changing direction
If you are going to move from a stationary position on the side of a road, you must indicate for at least five seconds before moving. If youre turning, or changing lanes, you must indicate long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and road users.

Keep left
When the speed limit is 90km/h or more on multi-lane roads you must not drive in the right hand lane unless youare: overtaking turning right making a U-turn avoiding an obstacle driving in congested traffic.

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Childrens crossings
Childrens crossings are signed with orange flags and are usually located near schools. You must stop when pedestrians are on the crossing and also when they are entering the crossing. You must also drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely at crossings. It is important to be aware of pedestrians approaching all crossings.

Merging
Where two unmarked lanes of traffic merge into one, you must give way to a vehicle if any part of the vehicle is in front of you. This rule doesnt apply where there are marked lanes on the road. In this situation you must obey the rules about changing lanes, giving way to other motorists if you want to move into the lane occupied by another vehicle. You must always give sufficient warning with your indicators to let other road users know what you intend todo.

U-turns
At traffic lights
You are not allowed to make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a sign stating U-TURNS PERMITTED.

Not at traffic lights (For example, at a break in the centre island.)

You must not do a U-turn: across a single or double continuous centre-line or a continuous centre line to the left of a broken line where there is a sign stating NO U-TURN. If a U-turn is permitted, you can then make the turn when: you have a clear view of approaching traffic you can safely make the turn without obstructing the free flow of traffic. When you are doing a U-turn, you must give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians even if other vehicles are facing a give way or stop sign.

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Roundabouts
It is important to be in the correct lane at multi-lane roundabouts. Signs, lane markings and arrows help you position your vehicle correctly and guide you in the direction you want to go. Unless arrows on the road indicate otherwise, remember this rule: to turn left, use left lane to turn right use right lane to go straight ahead use either lane.

Left turn
1. Position your vehicle in the left lane well in advance, unless arrows or signs on the road indicate otherwise. 2. Use your left indicator when you enter the roundabout. 3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. 4. Remain in the left lane as you complete your turn. 5. Continue to use your left indicator as you exit theroundabout. 6. Stop indicating once you have exited the roundabout.

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Right or U-turns
1. Position your vehicle in the right lane well in advance, unless arrows on the road or signs indicateotherwise. 2. Use your right indicator when you enter the roundabout. 3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. 4. Before exiting use your left indicator and follow the exit lane marking. Stop indicating once you have exited the roundabout. Note: Do not turn right from the left lane unless arrows on the road indicateotherwise.

Straight ahead
1. Position your vehicle in either lane well in advance, unless arrows on the road or signs indicateotherwise. 2. Do not use your indicator until ready to exit. 3. Give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. 4. Before exiting use your left indicator and follow the exit lane marking. Stop indicating once you have exited the roundabout. Note: Watch for vehicles exiting from the right lane.

Yellow edge lines

You must not stop or park on the side of a road with a continuous yellow edge line. For more road rule information, visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/roadrules. Refresher videos are also available in the Be Safe section of the Here for Life website (www.hereforlife.qld.gov.au).

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Want to know more?

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au, visit your nearest Transport and Main Roads customer service centre or call the department on 13 23 80*.

Drugs and driving

Never drive when youve consumed recreational drugs. For confidential help or information, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (07) 3837 5989 (allhours) or 1800 177 833 (toll free).

Road rules
A comprehensive guide to road rules can be found in Your keys to driving in Queensland available from most newsagents and Transport and Main Roads customer service centres. It is also available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au. Refresher videos can be viewed on www.hereforlife.qld.gov.au.

Young drivers
For more information, visit www.transport.qld.gov.au/youngdrivers.

Motorcycle safety
Information and advice for new and experienced riders on choosing the right motorcycle and appropriate safety gear, conducting pre-ride checks, and safe actions in emergency situations is available at www.motorcyclesafety.qld.gov.au.
* Operates Monday to Friday 8am5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays. Local call charge in Australia. Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. For international callers phone +61 7 3834 2011 this service operates Monday to Friday 8.30am5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.

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Translating and interpreting service

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Information in this guide is current as at March 2010. For the latest road rules please refer to the Department of Transport and Main Roads website at www.transport.qld.gov.au/roadrules. Please note: The notes and information contained in this guide are an interpretation of current traffic law and should not be used for a legalinterpretation.

www.tmr.qld.gov.au