What to do after a crash in NSW.

What to do after a crash.

Changes to tow-away only crashes
As part of the NSW Police commitment to streamline processes for motorists, reduce danger to road users and manage crashes more efficiently, motorists involved in tow-away only collisions can organise their own tow and leave the area if no one is injured, all parties have exchanged particulars and no one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

However, the crash must later be reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Drivers no longer need to report minor collisions which do not require a tow away, even for insurance purposes. For more information visit the NSW Police website.

What to do

You should protect the area to make sure that another crash does not occur.
You must remove anything that falls or escapes from crashed vehicles and which is likely to endanger the safety of others (for example, debris or broken glass). However, if you need to clear debris from the road, it is important that you ensure your personal safety at all times.

Following a crash:

Switch off the ignition of the immobilised vehicle to reduce the risk of fire.
Switch on hazard warning lights

The Police may attend and investigate crashes where:
A person is killed or injured
There is damage to property or animals
A person fails to stop or exchange information
A driver is believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If police do not attend the crash scene, you must report the crash as soon as possible within 24 hours (unless in exceptional circumstances) where:
You are in a crash and either your vehicle or another vehicle needs to be towed away.
There is damage to property or injured animals.
You are unable to provide particulars to the owner.
You must always provide Police attending the crash scene with details of the crash, vehicles involved, your name, address and, if known, information about any witnesses or the drivers of other vehicles involved.
You must always show Police your driver licence.

Regardless of damage, if you are asked to, you must provide the owner or driver of any other vehicle involved in the crash with the following information:

Your name, address and licence details
Your vehicle registration number
If you are not the owner of the vehicle, the name and address of the owner.
You can ask the other driver(s) for similar information.

If your vehicle is involved in a crash, you should place a warning triangle 50 to 150 metres behind your vehicle to warn other road users.
It is recommended that you wear a reflective vest if you have one.

Crashes involving dangerous loads
If you are involved in a crash with a truck carrying a dangerous load:
Call the Police or Fire Brigade on 000.
Avoid touching spilled chemicals or breathing the fumes or dust.
Warn people away from the crash.
An emergency Procedures guide will be in a holder attached to the truck driver’s door. Follow these procedures if it is safe to do so.

First aid
First Aid is a skill which everyone should learn. For details on first aid courses contact St John Ambulance Association on 9212 1088, the Red Cross on 9229 4111 or the National Safety Council of Australia on 1800 424 012.

If you need a tow truck
If you need the assistance of a tow truck after being involved in an accident, you have the right to:
Decide where your vehicle will be towed.
Decide who will tow your vehicle
Contact anyone prior to signing the authorisation form (for assistance on the right place to tow your vehicle).
Receive a copy of the towing authorisation form.
See Tow trucks – consumer rights for more information.

As the owner/driver your main responsibility is to report the accident to police immediately and authorise the tow truck driver to tow your vehicle by signing a Towing Authorisation Form.
If you are unable to make such authorisation, a police officer or authorised officer will be able to organise the towing of your vehicle.

As the owner/driver, it is your responsibility to check and ensure that the tow truck driver has in their possession an accredited driver certificate.

A NSW based tow truck should have a number plate with four numbers and ending in ‘TT’. If the tow truck driver cannot produce an accredited driver certificate or they do not have an authorised tow vehicle, do not allow them to tow your vehicle.

If your vehicle is covered by a comprehensive insurance policy, the towing fee may be covered. Check with your insurance provider.

13/02/201513/01/2022

Safe Driving

Safe Driving 3 NSW crash patterns

Crash patterns for provisional and newly licensed drivers are different from those of experienced drivers.
However, almost 90% of all NSW crashes fall within only five crash types.Many of these crashes could have been prevented if the driver managed their crash avoidance space and speed.

The five most common crashes in order of prevalence

1. Colliding with the rear of another vehicle.

2. Colliding with another vehicle from an adjacent direction (from the side).

3. Colliding with another vehicle from the opposite direction

4. Running off the road on a straight section and hitting an object or parked vehicle.

5. Running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an object or parked vehicle.

13/02/201513/01/2022

Safe Driving

Safe Driving 2

Observation
The key to good observation is scanning. Scanning is keeping your eyes moving, checking in one area for a couple of seconds and then moving your eye to another area.
When scanning look:
In the distance.
At the road surface.
To your left and right.
Regularly at your mirrors and instruments.

Speed management
Drive at a speed that is within the speed limit and this will allow you to react and completely stop within the distance you can see is clear. When you see potential hazards, slow down and prepare to stop (referred to as setting up the brakes), for example when pedestrians are close to the road or when other vehicles may turn in front of you. If you cannot see at least five seconds ahead you must slow down.

Slow down on wet, icy or gravel roads where it will take longer for your vehicle to stop.

What is a hazard?
A hazard is any possible danger that might lead to a crash. Hazards can be seen or unseen, actual or potential, for example.
A pedestrian waiting to cross.
A blind corner.
A car approaching a stop sign on an adjacent street.
Poor driving conditions.

Road positioning
Position your vehicle to maximise the distance from hazards (referred to as buffering). For example, moving to the left at the crest of a hill to create space from oncoming vehicles, or moving away from parked cars to avoid pedestrians and doors opening.

Check your mirrors before making any change to your speed or position.
Crash avoidance space

A safe low risk driver maintains a crash avoidance space completely around the vehicle. The crash avoidance space is managed by adjusting the vehicle’s speed and road position.

To determine the crash avoidance space to the front of the vehicle you need to take into account two key factors – reaction time and response time.

Reaction time is the time the driver needs to:
See the information.
Perceive what it means.
Decide on a response.
Instigate that response.
A driver who is fit, concentrating, alert and not affected by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or a distraction, will still require about one and a half seconds to react to a hazard.

Response time is the time required to take action. Generally a minimum of one and a half seconds is needed to respond. In many situations braking may be the only possible response. Swerving is rarely appropriate and can result in a more severe crash, for example a head-on collision.

A total of three seconds crash avoidance space is needed to react and respond to a situation in front of you. You may need even longer in poor conditions such as in rain or darkness.

The three-second gap, explained on the next page, can be used when following another vehicle or if there is potential for something to move into your crash avoidance space.

Following another vehicle
To calculate a three-second crash avoidance space when following another vehicle use this basic technique. As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes an object at the side of the road such as a power pole, tree or sign, start a three-second count ‘one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three’.

Maintain a minimum follwing distance of three seconds
If your car passes the object you picked before you finish the three-second count, you are following too closely. Your crash avoidance space is not large enough. Slow down, and repeat the count again until the three-second crash avoidance space is achieved.

In poor driving conditions, such as rain, night and gravel roads, it may be necessary to increase your crash avoidance space to four or more seconds.

To reduce the risk of driving into the rear of a vehicle, the three-second crash avoidance space is essential, as the vehicle in front has the potential to stop very quickly if it collides with another vehicle or stationary object.

The three second gap will change depending on you speed.

The following table shows the crash avoidance space needed for these speeds

Speed Crash avoidance space in metres
60 Kilometres per hour 50 metres
80 Kilometres per hour 67 metres
100 Kilometres per hour 84 metres
Potential for something to move into the crash avoidance space

The three-second gap can also be used for situations where there is potential for something to move into your crash avoidance space; for example a car in an adjacent street could fail to give way and pull out in front of you.

Safe low risk drivers experienced in maintaining a three-second following distance are able to mentally judge a three-second crash avoidance space in front of their vehicle. If there is potential for a hazard to enter this crash avoidance space, reduce your speed to create a buffer. It is necessary to maintain the crash avoidance space for all potentially hazardous situations, including blind corners and crests.

Many of the crashes that occur each day in NSW could be avoided if drivers actively maintained their crash avoidance space.

If an oncoming vehicle crosses the centre line and is heading towards you, slow down, move left and flash your head lights. If one or two of your wheels run off the edge of the road you should slow down gradually and ease back onto the road.
NSW crash patterns

Crash patterns for provisional and newly licensed drivers are different from those of experienced drivers. However, almost 90% of all NSW crashes fall within only five crash types.Many of these crashes could have been prevented if the driver managed their crash avoidance space and speed.

The five most common crashes in order of prevalence

Colliding with the rear of another vehicle.
1. Colliding with the rear of another vehicle.
Colliding with another vehicle from an adjacent direction (from the side).
2. Colliding with another vehicle from an adjacent direction (from the side).
Colliding with another vehicle from the opposite direction.
3. Colliding with another vehicle from the opposite direction.
Running off the road on a straight section and hitting an object or parked vehicle.
4. Running off the road on a straight section and hitting an object or parked vehicle.
Running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an object or parked vehicle.
5. Running off the road on a curve or bend and hitting an object or parked vehicle.

For all drivers, rear end collisions are the most common form of crash. However, over 30% of crashes involving provisional drivers are single vehicle crashes in which they run off the road.

For more information or to book a driving lesson to learn about safe driving, call Cameron 0438 364 244

13/02/201513/01/2022

Safe Driving

Safe Driving Driving posture

When you first get a car take the time to adjust the seat and controls to suit your height and build. Correct driving posture reduces fatigue, improves your control and allows the safety features of the vehicle to operate effectively.

Seatbelts

For seatbelts to work effectively they should be adjusted ‘low, flat and firm’.

Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your body weight.
Flat – no twists, turns or folds.
Firm – about every 15 minutes when you drive pull the belt firm to remove any slack.

Airbags

Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS) designed to be used in conjunction with seatbelts. To get the most benefit from the driver’s airbag the steering wheel should be adjusted low, facing the driver’s chest rather than the face.

Braking technique

Correct braking is done in two stages, first put light pressure on the brake pedal and pause (set up the brakes), then progressively apply the necessary braking pressure (squeeze).

Two-stage braking (set up and squeeze) improves braking effectiveness, reduces the likelihood of skidding and provides better control.

Harsh or excessive braking pressure may cause skidding and a loss of control, particularly on wet or gravel roads.

Steering technique

There are two main steering techniques, ‘push/pull’ and ‘hand over hand’. Regardless of which method is used some general rules apply:

Steering must be smooth and progressive.
Reduce speed before steering and wait until the vehicle begins to straighten before accelerating.
When steering keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel and
thumbs along the rim.
Electronic driver assist systems

Antilock braking system (ABS)

Antilock braking systems control braking force to prevent the tyres from skidding under heavy braking or when braking in slippery conditions. Some ABS systems cause the brake pedal to pulse or shudder when activated and although this may feel disconcerting, braking effort must be maintained if the situation requires a quick stop.

Traction control systems (TCS)

Traction control systems stop the driving wheels spinning by reducing engine power or temporarily applying the brakes. This allows the car to accelerate smoothly, even on slippery surfaces.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Electronic stability control detects if a vehicle is not responding correctly to driver steering input. The system selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels or changing engine power, ESC helps the driver to maintain their intended direction.

Emergency brake assist (EBA)

Emergency brake assist detects an emergency brake application. It provides emergency braking assistance and automatically increases the force being applied to the brakes to minimise the stopping distance. It is also known as “Brake Assist System” (BAS).

For more information or if you want to book a driving lesson to learn about safe driving, contact Cameron 0438 364 244.

Information from RTA

06/02/201508/02/2015

Camber Driving School Review

Driving School Review

Hi Cameron,

This is Lydia, I had a lesson on Tuesday and
did my test this morning. Just wanted to let you know I
passed !!!!
Thankyou for your lesson and You Tube Video I would not
have passed without it and I will get some lessons booked
for my sister later this month, thanks again.

12/01/201513/01/2022

Driving Test Blind Spot Checks.

Checking Blind Spots On Your Driving Test

Based On The NSW Guide To The Driving Test. guide-to-driving-test

Blind spots checks are also known as head checks and shoulder checks.

If you miss three blind spot checks on your driving test you will probably fail. So every time your blinker is blinking check the appropriate blind spot. Every time.

You must turn your head and check your blind spots before:
• Changing lanes.
• Leaving or returning to the kerb.
Before leaving the kerb, blink for at least 5 seconds and the very last thing before you move your car is a blind spot check.
Returning to the kerb, check your left blind spots.

• Merging or diverging.
• Reversing.
Before reversing, check three mirrors and both blind spots, looking mainly over your left shoulder out the back window while reversing.

• Turning left – looking for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles that could be
beside you in your blind spot.
Every time you turn left, blink and check your left blind spot – well before the turn. NOT during the left turn.

• Turning right – looking for vehicles that may be overtaking you.
Before making any right turn, check your right blind spot, looking for cars, bikes etc overtaking you on the right.
You can do the check as you approach the right turn or just before the turn.
• Joining the traffic stream.
• Leaving the inside lane of a multi lane roundabout.
When you are on the inside or right lane check your LEFT blind spot as you leave the roundabout. You are making sure the traffic in the left lane is not going to turn in front of you.

On your driving test slow down for roundabouts and then you will time to blink left when leaving plus check your blind spot.
When reversing you must turn your head and look over your shoulder to check
through the rear window for vehicles and pedestrians that may not be visible
in your mirror. All vehicles have blind spots behind.

Any questions please call or contact me. If you want to book a driving lesson please call. 0438 364 244

11/01/201513/01/2022

Pass Driving Test

Pass Driving Test.

Make sure you pass driving test by reading and understanding The Guide To The Driving Test” The following is based on this booklet.

DISOBEYING TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS OR ROAD MARKINGS
Be sure you have a thorough understanding of the meaning of regulatory signs, traffic signals and road markings.

They tell you what road rules apply in any specific situation. Examples of this fail item include:
• Not stopping at a red traffic light.
This means that all of your vehicle must be behind the stop line.
– Be very careful when stopping at lights, your car must be behind the first or often only line. If any of your car is over the stop/first line you will fail your driving test.

• Not stopping at a yellow traffic light when it is safe to do so.
You must stop at a yellow light unless sudden braking might cause a crash.
– An amber lights means you must stop if it is safe to do so.
If you are being tailgated by a retard you can continue through the intersection because it is not possible to stop safely.
If you are very close to the stop line you can continue but remember that you must stop if you can safely do so.
• Not stopping correctly at a stop line.
Your final stopped position must be within one metre of the stop line and with no part of your car over the line.
– At a stop sign intersection be careful that you approach the stop line slowly and that
your car is behind the line BUT within one metre of the line.

• Crossing a continuous centre line, lane line or edge line unnecessarily.
– Avoid all solid white lines. If you drive over or on a line you will fail your driving test.
They are a few exceptions – getting into a left turning lane at an intersection with lights and if you need to overtake a stopped vehicle and this means crossing a solid line. Make sure you understand these exceptions.

• Disobeying lane markings (transit lane, turn arrows etc).

• Not obeying regulatory signs such as One Way, No Entry, No U-Turn,
Keep Clear and Keep Left.

Pass driving test first time and be a safe driver. Any questions about how to pass driving test call Cameron 0438 364 244

To make sure you pass driving test book a few driving lessons, Call Cameron 0438 364 244

[cy] Camber Drivng School Cameron Latta 34 Nathan Cres Dean Park, NSW, Australia

11/01/201513/01/2022

RMS Driving Test NSW RTA Driving Test

Getting Ready For Your RMS Driving Test.

There are two overlooked things that are really important for your RMS driving test.
Refer to the “The Guide To The Driving Test” and make sure your understand this

Before proceeding through traffic lights, you must turn your head and check to ensure there are no vehicles that may be ‘running’ the red light, or pedestrians crossing against the ‘don’t walk’ sign. You must also turn your head and check to ensure it is safe before proceeding across a railway level crossing.

Therefore BEFORE you enter an intersection with traffic lights you MUST turn your head and look right and left. If you do not do this you will fail. Even if there is no road on your left or right you still must turn your head. Cos you need to look for pedestrians as well as bikes, cars, trucks etc.

The other overlooked thing is blind spots checks. Simply, every time a blinker is blinking there is a blind spot to check. Every time you change direction, as in turn left, you must indicate your intention and check the blind spot.

You must turn your head and check your blind spots before:
• Changing lanes.
• Leaving or returning to the kerb.
• Merging or diverging.
• Reversing.
• Turning left – looking for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles that could be beside you in your blind spot.
• Turning right – looking for vehicles that may be overtaking you.
• Joining the traffic stream.
• Leaving the inside lane of a multi lane roundabout.
When reversing you must turn your head and look over your shoulder.

On your RTA driving test you must do all blind spot checks because if you miss three you will fail. And you will be grumpy plus have to redo the RTA driving test.

When going through multi-lane roundabouts slow it down so you can blink left to leave the roundabout plus check your left blind spot if you are in the right lane. On my video page have a look at the three videos, may help you pass your driving test. Good Luck !

Katie passed RMS driving test — Katie passed the RMS Driving test

Any questions about your RMS driving test, call Cameron 0438 364 244

[cy] Camber Drivng School Cameron Latta 34 Nathan Cres Dean Park, NSW, Australia

31/12/201413/01/2022

Your First Driving Lesson.

Your first driving lesson and learning to drive are important milestones in your life and there are a lot of things to learn and remember.

These tips will help you get the most out of your first driving lesson and help you become a safe driver. All driving schools can sign off one hour as three in your log book. For ten hours.

Where possible we make sure your first driving lesson is in a controlled area. Maybe an industrial park on Sunday. We then move onto normal roads but stay away from main roads until you are ready.

Before starting your first driving lesson:
review your knowledge of the road rules
put your L plates on your car
store your learner logbook in your glove box or another safe place
(you will need to fill it out after every drive)
decide where you are going to keep your learner licence
(you will need to have it on you every time you drive).

You can drive with anyone you choose, as long as they have
a full licence.

It is a good idea to combine driving lessons with a driving school and
regular practice sessions with your parents or friends.

Driving Lessons:
You must hold your learner licence for at least 1 year—this gives
you plenty of time to practice your driving skills in a variety of situations.

You should spread your driving practice out over the entire learner
licence period, instead of waiting until just before your practical driving test.

Weekly practice in different places is important for
developing good driving skills.

Make sure you drive in different conditions, in the dry, in the wet,
during peak hour, at dusk and at night.

When deciding to practice driving with a supervisor,
make sure you are alert and focused.

Cancel your first driving lesson if you:
are tired
have had alcohol—as a learner, you must comply with the no alcohol limit
are affected by medication—either illegal or prescription drugs.

Before you start your first driving lesson:
check that the tyres are inflated properly
make sure you have enough fuel and that the oil and water is full
adjust your seat so you have good visibility and control
adjust the headrest so the top is at least as high as your eye level
adjust the steering wheel height so you are comfortable and have a good
view of the instrument panel and the road ahead
make sure your feet can comfortably reach the pedals
ask your supervisor to walk around the car and help you do a mirror check
to find blind spots
ask your supervisor to check that the indicator and brake lights
are working correctly
take note of where important controls, such as the handbrake, demister,
windscreen wipers, indicators and horn are located and make sure they
all work correctly.
If you are learning to drive in more than 1 car, take the time to adjust
to the different cars—some may have power steering, different brakes or mirrors.

When you drive at night:
Turn your headlights on between sunset and sunrise or when visibility
is reduced—not only do you need good visibility to drive, other drivers
also need to be able to see you.
If a vehicle comes toward you with its lights on high beam, slow down and
look to the left edge of the road until the vehicle has passed you.

When you drive in rainy, foggy or smoky conditions:
reduce your speed
increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front
avoid sudden braking, accelerating or turning to reduce your risk of skidding
turn your headlights on
use your air conditioning or demister so the windows and windscreen do not fog up
obey all road closure signs
never drive on a road or street covered with water.

When you drive in the city:
always have your route planned and make sure you are in the correct lane
to avoid any sudden changes and stress
be extra aware of road signs, signals and road markings, such as one way signs,
no entry signs, shared zones and pedestrian crossings
watch out for reduced speed limits in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

When you drive on suburban streets:
keep your eyes open when driving near parked cars—children and other pedestrians
can be hard to spot if they are crossing the road from behind parked cars
take extra care in areas where children are likely to be around, such as schools
and playgrounds
stay alert at stop and give way signs, and at unmarked intersections
you should never drive faster than 50km/h unless there is a sign indicating
otherwise.

When you drive on main roads:
Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
Because you drive faster on a main road, you need to allow for a longer
stopping time.
In good conditions, there should be at least 3 seconds between your
vehicle and the vehicle you are following.
Drive to the conditions and to the speed limit.
Approach intersections with care—even when you have a green light.
Pay attention to what other road users are doing.
Look for hazards ahead of the vehicle you are following—this will allow
you more time to react.
Plan your moves in advance and give plenty of warning of what you intend to do.
Indicate these intentions correctly, such as when you want to change lanes or turn.

To book your first driving lesson please call Cameron 0438 364 244.

[cy] Camber Drivng School Cameron Latta 34 Nathan Cres Dean Park, NSW, Australia

What to do after a crash.

What to do

Safe Driving Driving posture

Seatbelts

Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your body weight. Flat – no twists, turns or folds. Firm – about every 15 minutes when you drive pull the belt firm to remove any slack.

Braking technique

Steering technique

Driving School Review

Checking Blind Spots On Your Driving Test

Pass Driving Test.

Getting Ready For Your RMS Driving Test.

Your First Driving Lesson.

Cancel your first driving lesson if you: are tired have had alcohol—as a learner, you must comply with the no alcohol limit are affected by medication—either illegal or prescription drugs.

Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your body weight.
Flat – no twists, turns or folds.
Firm – about every 15 minutes when you drive pull the belt firm to remove any slack.

Cancel your first driving lesson if you:
are tired
have had alcohol—as a learner, you must comply with the no alcohol limit
are affected by medication—either illegal or prescription drugs.