Dubbo MP Troy Grant and Dubbo Regional Council are calling on all road users to brush up on their knowledge of NSW road rules during Road Rules Awareness Week from February 26 to March 4.
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DRC’s Road Safety Officer Jayne Bleechmore said on Monday the event is a great way to prompt pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and drivers of all vehicle types to check their understanding of the rules and improve their safety on or near the road.
“If road users are unsure of certain aspects of the road rules then now is a good time to seek information. Numerous resources are readily available online.
“Concise and current animation videos Road Rules Awareness is a great resource tool for all road users and can be found at roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au” she said.
Mr Grant said the awareness week is the perfect time for all road users to refresh their knowledge.
“We have around 350 road rules in NSW and they are there to save lives,” Mr Grant said.
“Road Rules Awareness Week is a great time for everyone to think about their driving, and aims to help improve the community’s knowledge of the road rules including commonly misunderstood rules. It’s important that all road users – motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists– understand and follow the road rules correctly to keep everyone safe on our roads.”
Mr Grant said last year 392 people lost their lives on NSW roads and every 41 minutes someone is either killed or seriously injured and everyone has a role to play in reducing the road toll.
“We know that human error is a large factor in crashes so it’s important all drivers know and understand the rules, obey the signs and keep an eye out when on the road,” he said.
“Often it’s the most simple rules people find confusing – for example – who gives way at a roundabout? Or where and when you can legally and safely cross the road?
“This week is the perfect opportunity to find out the answers to those questions and any others you may have.”
One of the most misunderstood rules is negotiating roundabouts and failing to ‘blink off’. Ms Bleechmore provided tips on roundabouts. Study them at www.dailyliberal.com.au
- Approaching a roundabout. Drivers approaching a roundabout must use their indicator if they intend to turn left or right, or make a U-turn at the roundabout. They must give other road users sufficient notice of their intent to turn.
- Entering a roundabout. Drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Drivers must also continue to use their indicator if they intend to turn left, right or make a U-turn.
- Turning left. Drivers must indicate left on approach and be travelling in the left-hand lane (unless there are road markings with other instructions), stay in the left lane and exit in the left lane.
- Going straight ahead. There is no requirement for drivers to signal when approaching the roundabout, if they are going straight ahead. Drivers may approach the roundabout from either the left or right lane (unless there are road markings with other instructions).
- Turning right. Drivers must indicate right on approach and be travelling in the right-hand lane (unless there are road markings with other instructions).
- Making a U-turn. When using a roundabout to make a U-turn, drivers must approach in the right lane and signal right.
- Changing lanes in a roundabout. Drivers may change lanes in a roundabout if they wish. The usual road rules for changing lanes apply. Drivers must use their indicator and give way to any vehicle in the lane they are entering.
- Exiting a roundabout. Just like exiting any road, drivers must signal left when leaving a roundabout, if it is practical to do so, and stop indicating as soon as they have exited the roundabout.
- When travelling straight ahead on a small single lane roundabout, it may be impractical to indicate left when exiting.
- Do you know what tailgating is, the rules around merging, or who gives way at a roundabout?
