In 2019, there were 1200 fatalities in Australia involving road and driving accidents. When driving, it is always important to be extra careful. There are many lives at risk when you are on the road. Although accidents can, at times, be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help lessen the chances.
In this post, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to avoid driving accidents.
1. Read up on NSW’s road safety laws.
In NSW, there are three known driver killers: speeding, drinking, and driving fatigue. That’s why our first tip is for you to update yourself with our local driving regulations.
For example, did you know that violating the 40km/h road rule can cost you $448? Other violations like texting while driving will also cost you $344, and $457 if you’re driving by a school.
Don’t want to shell out that kind of cash? Make sure to read up or follow our local road rules.
2. Learn defensive driving.
Defensive Driving is a set of techniques that will help you protect yourself in a collision.
Want to learn Defensive Driving in NSW? You could try the Safer Drivers Course by the Centre for Road Safety.
3. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule.
If you’re not feeling well, you tend to underperform or become clumsy, right? Your car is the same. If it’s not in good shape, it will put you in a bad shape.
Therefore, make sure to follow your car’s scheduled service. Make sure your wheels are aligned, your engine fuels are not leaking, and your windscreen is chip-free.
4. Don’t be an emotional driver.
Road rage is one of the major factors in road deaths. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 33% of traffic accidents are caused by drivers behaving poorly.
Therefore, when you’re driving, always try to keep your cool. We promise you, it will do you more good than satisfying your ego.
5. Create safety habits.
Driving with a seatbelt is imperative, but that’s not enough. Why not create a safe driving routine? This is a set of habits you must develop so that you can be more protected while driving.
Those habits include checking the engine before driving, wearing a seatbelt, keeping a distance from a moving car of at least three seconds away, and paying attention to the road. These may be small actions, but habituating these steps will objectively help to minimise serious accidents on the road.
Accidents can take precious lives or can be a financial burden which is why you need to consider the right CTP insurer. Purchasing or renewing a green slip is your responsibility as a driver.
In the case that you become the “at-fault” driver in an accident, CTP can help you cover the victims’:
- Expenses for administering treatment and medical care
- Income loss
- Funeral expenses in the event of possible death
Want to compare green slip insurers’ rates? Get a quote here for free.
On the other hand, if you’re one of the parties, you could claim benefits and damages from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
To claim benefits, you need to secure the needed forms and certificates, register the accident at the police, and notify the at-fault driver’s insurer. Meanwhile, to claim damages, you need to submit the required forms by the at-fault driver’s insurance and take medical exams.
Know more steps on how to make a green slip refund here.
Stay safe!
