Get Back On The Road with Hertz Safe Driving Tips

Click here for a downloadable PDF version

Before you get back on the road to explore Australia, please review our Safe Driving Tips to ensure you are fully prepared for a safe journey.

Don’t use your mobile phone behind the wheel

 

Using a mobile phone while driving can be distracting, increasing your chance of being involved in a crash or near crash. Driving while using a mobile phone held in your hand is illegal. This includes talking, texting, and using any function on your phone - even if you're stopped in traffic. If you are caught using your phone while driving, you may be fined.

 

To safely use your mobile phone whilst driving ensure that: 

  • the phone is secured in a phone holder fixed to the vehicle
  • can be operated without touching any part of the phone – Bluetooth or voice activated controls  

Always Keep Left

 

Always drive on the left side of the road. If your drive on the right side of the road in your own country, please remember to keep left when pulling out onto the road - it's easy to forget.

 

Stop every two hours to prevent driver fatigue

Fatigue can be as dangerous as drink driving or speeding, and contributes to many fatal accidents. When traveling long distances, it’s recommended that you stop every two hours to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Try to time your day's travel so that you arrive at your overnight destination with time to relax and unwind.

Always adhere to the speed limit

Speed limit signs show the maximum speed you can travel. At times you may need to drive at a slower speed due to road, weather or traffic conditions. Different speed limits apply throughout Australia - look out for the speed limit signs. Speeding is a serious offence and speed limits vary from state to state, so ensure you adhere to the speed limit signs posted along all major roads, all the time.

Drive with your headlights on

 

Headlights help you to see at night or in poor conditions that cause reduced visibility (such as heavy rain). Your headlights and tail lights must be on between sunset and sunrise. High-beam headlights enable you to see further, such as when driving on a country road. However, you must turn them to low-beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres or when driving within 200 metres behind another vehicle.

Don’t drink and drive

Australia has strict laws about drinking alcohol and driving. It’s best to avoid drinking if you plan to drive, however be aware that the legal limit is set at 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for full licence holders. Learners and probationary licence holders must have a .00 BAC. If you are caught driving over the legal BAC limit, you will face heavy fines or lose your license.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles

Maintaining the correct following distance provides you with enough time and space to react and avoid a collision in the event the vehicle directly in front of you comes to a sudden stop. Leave a 2-3 second gap between your car and the car in front of you where possible. You may need even longer in poor conditions such as in rain or darkness.

Always wear a seatbelt

By law, everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt or child restraint - whether they're in the front or back. Children under seven years of age must be secured in an approved child car seat that’s the right size, correctly installed and adjusted to fit.

Drive defensively

Driving involves risks, therefore it is important to be alert and aware of your surroundings when driving. Defensive driver training programs are available Australia wide and provide drivers with the skills and knowledge required to drive vehicles safely in various road conditions. Defensive driving programs include safe driving techniques, updated knowledge of state road laws, effects of fatigue, monitoring traffic and managing hazardous conditions.