road safety

driving at night

Remember that distance that you can see ahead and to the side is severely reduced at night. This means you will take longer to see hazards on the road or along the roadside.

• Switch on your headlights
• Use your high beams where appropriate.

While you need good visibility to drive safely, it is just as important for other drivers to be able to see you.

driving in wet or hazardous weather

It is difficult to see clearly in the rain. To improve safety when driving in wet weather:

• Make sure your windscreen is kept clean inside and out. You never know when it might rain
• Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition
• Turn your headlights on to low beam
• Use your air conditioner to prevent your windscreen from fogging up.

If you don’t have an air conditioner, use the heater demister and, if necessary, open the windows.

Remember it takes much longer to stop when the road is wet, so do not follow another vehicle too closely when it is raining or if the roads are wet. Increase the gap between you and the car in front from 2 seconds to 4 seconds.

driving in fog

It is difficult to see clearly when driving in fog. Don’t put your lights on high beam as this only lights up the fog and makes the road more difficult to see. In fog you should:

• dip your headlights so you can see more easily. Low beam keeps the light on the road and not directed up into the fog
• drive slowly
• not follow closely behind another vehicle
• use your fog lights if you have them.

driving near bushfires

The smoke from bushfires can make it more difficult to see the road. Wherever possible avoid driving near bushfires by seeking out an alternate route. But if you are caught near one, remember these tips:

• If surrounded by fire, park car in the barest area possible – away from tall grass and shrubs
• If possible, park the vehicle with the rear facing the oncoming fire
• Close all windows and vents tightly
• Shelter on the floor of the car and cover yourself with blankets or floor mats
• Only emerge from the vehicle when you are sure that you are upwind of the blaze
• Only move out of the area once all smoke has cleared.

holiday driving

The roads are more crowded at holiday times so make sure you remember these tips for a safe and happy journey.

• Share the driving if possible
• Take rest breaks at regular intervals
• Pack snacks and cool drinks
• Have a good night sleep prior to the trip
• Pull off the road and have a power nap if you are feeling tired or drowsy
• Never drive when you would normally be asleep (late at night or early in the morning).

vital checks before a long trip

• Check all fluid levels (coolant, water, automatic transmission, brake, clutch, power steering fluids) and top up if necessary.
• All tyres (including the spare) should be correctly inflated to the correct pressure. 
• Check brakes are working correctly (including the handbrake on a hill).
• Ensure windows and lights are kept clean to ensure the driver’s visibility is not reduced.

• Find out more about fatigue and driving
• Find out about using your headlights and the road rules
• Plan your rest stops on Victoria’s major highways
• Find out more about checking your tyre pressure

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