Thank you for your recent emphasis on what drivers should be taught and tested on. We use the vague expressions “safe driving” and “good driving”. What should they mean? Marina
“Safe driving” means driving with concentrated attention at all times within the limits of your skill, your physical and mental state, your vehicle’s capability, and the prevailing road and traffic conditions.
“Good driving” embraces all the elements of safe driving, plus consideration for the comfort and convenience of your passengers and other road users, and the responsibility to always assist, and never disrupt, the orderly flow of the overall traffic system. At all times.
If you think you are a good driver who has been well taught and properly tested, take a moment to compare what you do know with what you should know. Here are some reminder headings of topics on which even a beginner should have awareness and good working knowledge:
1. Your general rights and responsibilities as a motorist; how traffic laws are made and changed; the main headings of the Traffic Act; the Act in the context of other Statute Laws; distinction of Major and Minor offences; penalties tables; vehicle standards of design and condition.
2. Rules on modifications and accessories like bullbars, roofracks, tow hitches, ornaments, glass tinting, footplates and steps, roof hatches, mudflaps and mudguards, etc; safety equipment and use; passenger and load limits; maintenance and checks; documentation; insurance.
3. Component specifics on tyres, lights, exhaust, mirrors, screens and windows, bodywork, brakes, steering, luggage and contents.
5. General rules, techniques and advice for drivers and riders; proper procedures for road signs and signals, vehicle and driver signals, lights design and useage; vehicle control, on-road alignment and manoeuvres, braking, skids, deep water, coasting; speed limits, stopping distances, road markings, road surfaces, lane disciplines, fitness (eyesight, health, alertness, concentration), mobile phones, radio/music, distraction.
6. Using the road, the Clearway Principle, starting and stopping, gears, observation and mirrors, overtaking, being overtaken, large vehicles, junctions, one-way streets, dual carriageways, filtering, roundabouts, sliproads, reversing, alighting and boarding passengers.
7. Special driving conditions like heavy rain, fog, deep water, loose gravel, mud, dust, accident scenes, waiting and parking.
8. Breakdowns and accidents, vide warnings, First Aid kits and skills, vehicle positioning and movement, documentation, driver obligations – remaining, reporting, moving, leaving.
9. Roadside Police authority, obligations and limits; evidence and proof, locations, warning signs, signals, clothing, procedure; warnings, tickets, bonds, arrest, drive-away; driver obligations and rights, emergency circumstances, Report-to-Station options, objection and complaint.
10. Courts – the hierarchy, documentation, summons, attendance, witnesses, evidence and proof entitlements.
None of these are advanced knowledge. They are the general ingredients of any adequate Highway Code, and what should be taught and tested as basics. And readily available online and/or in print.
