Seat Belts are the best protection in a car accident.

Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety-related behavior. 63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seat belts. Wearing a seat belt use is still the single most effective thing we can do to save lives and reduce injuries on Australia’s roadways.

Data suggests that education alone is not doing the job with young people, especially males ages 16 to 25 the age group least likely to buckle up. They simply do not believe they will be injured or killed. Yet they are the nation’s highest-risk drivers, with more drunk driving, more speeding, and more crashes. Neither education nor fear of injury or death is strong enough to motivate this tough-to-reach group.

Rather, it takes stronger seat belt laws and high visibility enforcement campaigns to get them to buckle up.

Seat belts are the most effective safety devices in vehicles today, estimated to save hundreds of lives each year. Yet only 68 percent of the motor vehicle occupants are buckled.

Most people try to finish their driving lessons ASAP… not this guy

They answer and you need to turn down your blaring music, so you cram your mobile under your neck, look down to adjust the volume, accidentally knock over your fries and coke lodged behind the gear shift and… congratulations, you’ve just hit the back of a bus!

NSW Police’s Traffic Services Commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley says there’s little doubt that distracted drivers can cause traffic problems and road crashes.

“Additionally, drivers now also have to contend with new or more affordable technologies like mobile telephones, MP3 players, CDs and in-car DVDs, which can act as a distraction,” Chief Superintendent Hartley says.

Here are some of the worst driver distractions:

Mobile phones (talking and texting)
Using a mobile while driving can increase the risk of a collision by four times, according to several studies. Sending a text message is even worse.

A hands-free device can also be a distraction, so your best bet is to just turn it off. No conversation is worth a whopping fine, demerit points and possibly a crash.

Adjusting vehicle settings
This is the most common bad driving habit, because many people don’t realise it’s dangerous to fiddle with the radio, air-conditioning or windows.

“Crashes often occur as a result of only a moment’s inattention,” says Hartley.

“While you’re changing the CD, your full attention isn’t on the road and [it is] placing you at risk of a crash.” The best idea is to make any adjustments before you set off.

Other occupants (human and animal!)
Young drivers have a greater risk of crashing when they have friends in the car.

The stats also tell us that there’s more chance of causing a fatal crash when you have two or more friends in the car, especially male passengers. However, the risk is reduced when carrying an adult or a child, compared with carrying no passengers.

Eating, drinking and smoking
Aside from the obvious dangers of drink-driving, even sipping on a non-alcoholic drink takes your focus off the road. An American study has found that eating a cheeseburger can be more distracting than talking on a mobile. And the risk of causing a crash is just one more reason not to smoke!

External distractions
As if there wasn’t enough happening inside the car, there are lots of things outside too. You have to look out for other drivers and pedestrians, while trying to block out the roadside billboards, shops and all sorts of unexpected or interesting things going on in the streets.

By mail

If you want to lodge your request of ‘Change of name’ by mail you will need to supply a completed Change of Personal Details form or supply a letter containing the following details;

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Full driver licence details
• Full vehicle licence details
• Boat registration number (if applicable)
• Firearm registration number (if applicable)
• Certified copies of one primary and one secondary identification plus certified copies of any documentation relating to the name change.
• Documents that may relate to a change of name are:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce papers
  • Change of Name certificate, deed poll papers or licence to change name documentation.

Applications should be mailed to your local Licensing Center.

In person

If you would like to apply in person to lodge a request to change your name, you can do this at any Licensing centre.

• You will need to provide primary and secondary identification along with the original documents relating to the name change.

The Western Australia Drive Safe book may be downloaded as a complete handbook or section by section:

• Full version of the Drive Safe Book (pdf 2.85 MB)

The Drive Safe book as separate sections:

• Part 1 - Introduction – Safe driving (pdf 945kb)
• Part 2 - How to obtain a Western Australian Licence (pdf 460kb)
• Part 3 - Major road rules and additional safety advice (pdf 1.7MB)
• Part 4 - Emergencies and crashes (pdf 615kb)
• Part 5 - The law and you (pdf 669kb)
• Part 6 - Ride safe (pdf 473kb)
• Part 7 - Appendices (pdf 463kb)

You may also download an audio version of the Drive Safe book below.

For anyone who is on their L’s, you can receive a  FREE driving lesson with an instructor, by registering on  https://www.keys2drivepilot.com.au.

You can search for all driving schools in Australia by logging on www.drivingschoolpages.com.au

10 Tips For What to Do In Case of a Car Accident.

Although we try diligently to avoid car accidents by driving defensively and know that it is much better not to get involved in an accident at all, you may be wondering, what exactly should I do if I’m ever involved in a car accident? Well, in this brief article, we will discuss the top 10 things that you should do if you’re ever involved in a car accident. So, sit back, relax and get ready to learn!

1.          Remain calm and stay put. First and foremost, remain calm and don’t keep going. Although you may be feeling tense, excited, upset or all three emotions, the absolute worse thing that you can do is flee. Yes, it might feel tempting to drive away but fleeing from the scene of the incident is never a good idea and may bring harsh penalties. Instead, you should remain where you are, stay calm and by all means, DO NOT PANIC!!. By maintaining a calm and focused demeanor, you’ll remain in control and will be able to provide key information.

2.         Don’t admit fault. Even if you believe that the accident was your fault, you should never, ever admit fault to anyone other than your insurance agent or your lawyer. Never discuss your feelings with the other involved party and never agree to pay for any damages. Instead, don’t discuss it at all and remember that anything you say can and will most likely be utilized against you. Remember – NEVER ADMIT FAULT!!

3.         Move out of the way. If your car is located in a high traffic area, you should move out of the loop of upcoming traffic. By moving your car, you may be able to avoid another accident. The only exception to this is if your car is so badly damaged that it can’t be moved. If that is the case, simply leave it where it is until you have assistance.

4.         Check out your passengers. Check to see if anyone needs medical attention. If they do, seek medical assistance immediately by calling 000 in Australia (use your common sense if outside these countries and look up the emergency contact number). Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident. Act quickly and calmly because you have no time to waste. Time is of the essence in getting the required care for the injured person(s). If you’re trained in first aid then implement medical procedures. Just remember to never move someone who is badly hurt (unless you believe that moving them might prevent further injuries).

5. Warn other motorists. Warn other motorists that the accident has occurred. This can be accomplished by placing emergency flares on the road or turning on your car’s hazard lights. Another option is to lift the car’s engine. This will signal to other motorist to steer clear of your car and the accident site.

6.         Report the accident. Contact the police immediately to report the accident. When you reach them, remain calm and speak clearly. Tell them exactly where you’re located so that they can find you. They’ll likely inform you whether they’ll be sending an officer or whether you’ll be required to meet them at the station to file a police report

7.         Contact insurance company. After you contact the police, contact your insurance company to report the claim. Many policies require this step to approve of your claim and may deny it if you don’t call in a timely manner. When you talk to your claim representative, be prepared to give them detailed information about the accident.

8.         Exchange vital information. Exchange vital information with the other driver. Make sure that you obtain their name, address, phone number, date of birth, driver’s license numbers of all drivers and witnesses, insurance company information and policy numbers. Also jot down the make of their car, year, model, V.I.N. number (this is on their registration paper), license plate and sticker expiration date(on the windscreen). Lastly, write down any names and addresses of all witnesses and the name and badge number of any officers.

9.         Draw a detailed diagram. Draw a detailed diagram of the accident which includes a picture of both cars before, during, and after the accident. In addition, if you notice any skid marks, lights, stop signs, etc., make sure that you include them as well. Lastly, if you have a camera or picture phone, make sure that you take photographs because these may be used as evidence.

10.       Fill out a police report. Next, take your time when filling out the police report. Be as accurate and truthful as you can and provide the police with all requested information. Write clearly and be as detailed as you possibly can.

In conclusion, no one wants to be involved in a car accident. However, if you are involved in one, you don’t have to panic. Instead, you should remain calm and don’t drive away. Stay put, don’t admit fault, move away from incoming traffic, evaluate your passengers, warn other motorists, report the accident, contact insurance company, exchange vital information, draw a detailed diagram and fill out a police report. By doing this, you’ll improve upon a very difficult situation and provide invaluable aid when it is needed the most.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand indicates that there may be a link between car color and serious injuries as a result of car accidents. Their findings were published in the The British Medical Journal in December 2003.

The study involved accidents in New Zealand between 1998 and 1999. According to their findings, drivers of brown cars had the highest risk of sustaining serious injuries caused by auto accidents. Black and green cars also had elevated risks.

Which are the safest cars? Drivers of silver-colored cars, according to the report, have a 50% less chance of being involved in an injury-causing accident than do drivers of white cars! While the results are surprising, more studies need to be performed before we all rush out and repaint or replace our vehicles.

The scientists did not explain why there was such a disparity in accident rates. Perhaps lighter colored cars are more visible, or perhaps the people who choose such cars are a self-selecting group of safe drivers.