What are the rules for merging? Who has the right of way when there are four cars at a T-intersection?
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Local drivers are being encouraged to “hit the refresh button on road rules” during Road Rules Awareness Week.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, launched the campaign on Monday, saying there were “around 350 road rules in NSW and they are there to save lives”.
“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,” Mrs Pavey said.
“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.”
Parliamentary Secretary role for Regional Roads, Maritime and Transport, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson, said this was especially timely in light of several crashes, some fatal, in the region in recent months.
“We’ve asked people to hit the refresh button on road rules – to think about the road they’re on and the rules that apply to that particular road,” Mr Anderson said.
“Whether it be overtaking, whether it be a roundabout on that road, a T-intersection, turning left and right, we’ve asked people as part of [this week] to just hit the refresh button.”
Mr Anderson said it didn’t matter whether the road had a reputation for being dangerous or whether it was a quiet residential street.
“You should always be 100 per cent focused when behind the wheel of a vehicle whatever road you’re on,” he said.
“We’re seeing locals die on local roads, so it’s really important we don’t become complacent, that we stay completely focused on the task at hand when driving a vehicle.”
Police Minister Troy Grant said 392 people lost their lives on NSW roads last year – and someone was either killed or seriously injured every 41 minutes.
“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,” Mr Grant 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.”
Top 10 misunderstood rules
Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety says there are 10 situations that make up the list of top 10 most misunderstood road rules in NSW:
- Roundabouts
- Giving way to pedestrians when turning
- Mobile phones
- Merging
- Keeping left
- Using headlights and fog lights
- U-turns
- Safe following distances
- School zones
- Yellow traffic lights
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
