Driving Safely in Victoria: Watching Out For Wildlife
Photo by Sabel Blanco on Pexels
Victoria boasts some of the most scenic routes a driver can experience, however, these beautiful roads often intersect with habitats of our native wildlife, such as kangaroos and wombats. For learner drivers, it's essential to understand the challenges and dangers posed by these animals and how to safely navigate them. In the last 5 years there have been over 35,000 collisions in Victoria involving wildlife, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, education, and preventive measures among drivers in regions with wildlife populations.
The Dangers of Swerving
While it's a natural instinct to try to avoid hitting an animal, swerving can be much more dangerous. According to Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC), swerving not only risks a head-on collision with oncoming traffic but can also cause a driver to lose control, resulting in a rollover or crash into objects like trees or poles.
Swerving might not even prevent a collision with the animal, as animals, especially kangaroos, are unpredictable in their movement. There's the possibility of the animal moving in the same direction as the swerve, increasing the likelihood of impact.
Speed Matters
Driving at reduced speeds in areas populated by wildlife can be the difference between a near-miss and a tragic accident. The World Health Organization points out that for every 5km/h speed reduction in 60-70km/h zones, crashes can decrease by up to 30%.
The difference of just 20km/h (80km/h vs 100km/h) can afford you precious seconds to react to sudden hazards. If you see wildlife traffic signs, make sure to slow down, especially when visibility is limited.
Knowing How To Use Your Brakes Correctly To Engage the ABS System
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a system in many modern cars that prevents the wheels from locking up during a hard brake. When wheels lock up, cars can skid and lose steering control. By preventing this, ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking heavily.
A study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found that vehicles equipped with ABS are 35% less likely to be involved in a collision so it's worth making sure your vehicle is equipped with ABS.
To activate the ABS, push your foot down on the brake pedal firmly. Indicators that the system is in action include a rapid pulsation beneath your foot or a distinct grinding sound. If you're a learner or inexperienced driver, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the feel of the ABS activation.
Knowing how your braking system works can be the difference between a dangerous collision and a near miss. For this reason, practicing in a controlled setting, such as an empty car park, can be invaluable. Always ensure you're accompanied by an experienced driver or instructor who understands the ABS system when doing so.
Summary
By staying well-informed and exercising caution, drivers can ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and the cherished animals that inhabit Victoria. At Better Your Driving, we strongly recommend enrolling in a defensive driving course, where you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your vehicle's safety features and practice implementing them within a controlled environment.
In summary, we'd like to emphasize the following key takeaways:
- Swerving should be avoided, as it poses a greater danger to you and fellow drivers on the road.
- Reducing your speed provides you with more time to react effectively when encountering wildlife.
- Invest time in understanding how to engage your brakes and trigger their safety features.
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