Tips for Safe Winter Driving

There’s something about wet, wintry weather that affects even the most cautious of drivers. As the winter months bite, weather conditions can make driving difficult and, in extreme condition, even hazardous. Roads become slippery when wet, hail and heavy rain can make it hard to see and even harder to stop, and foggy mornings and dark afternoons decrease visibility. Here are our top tips for staying safe on our roads during winter.

Six tips for safe driving in winter conditions 

Service your car

Checking your car’s safety equipment, tyres, windscreen wipers, batteries, lights, and brakes is always important, especially so in winter when cold and wet conditions are particularly hard on cars.

Tread carefully

Tyres are incredibly important to safety – they’re all that connects your vehicle to the road. Tyres must have plenty of tread depth (no less than 1.5 millimetres) and no damage. They should also be inflated to the correct pressure. But be aware this can vary from car to car. The recommended minimum tyre pressures are usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or glove box.

Maintain a safe braking distance

Remember it takes much longer to stop in the wet, so don’t follow other cars too closely when it’s raining, or if the roads are wet. Increase the gap between you and the car in front to at least four seconds.

Slow down

Travel just a little slower, even on roads you know well, and take off from lights and intersections a little slower as greasy roads can cause vehicles to lose traction.

Don’t rush to get going either. Before taking off on a long road trip, be sure you know how to use all the features of your car’s fog lights, high-beam lights, front and rear demisters and front and rear windscreen wipers. Clear your windscreen and windows before you start driving to ensure good visibility.

Weather the storm

Be aware of changed conditions and heed any weather warnings particularly when travelling in areas where extreme weather is more common, such as the high country and ski fields. Wet roads, black ice and snow reduce grip, sometimes without warning, while fog and heavy rain can bring drastically decreased visibility. Avoid using cruise control in icy road conditions. Extra caution is needed in these conditions, including knowing when to use fog lights, especially if you are used to driving in milder conditions.

When in doubt, pull over

In wet weather use your air conditioner to prevent your windscreen from fogging up. However, if visibility is so limited that you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles at a safe distance, it’s time to pull over and wait for the conditions to ease.

SOURCE: RACV  Author – Nicholas Platt  MAY 2019

‘P’ Plate Driver Rules You Might Not Know

Playing music through your phone is off limits for probationary drivers. 

There’s nothing quite like that first Maccas run when you get your driver’s licence. The thrill of swapping over the ‘L’ for a bright red ‘P’, the quick burst of that bubble when you realise your petrol tank is empty and this time you’re the one who has to fill it.

However, when you transition from a learner to a probationary driver, you go from being the safest person on the road to the most at risk. Drivers aged 18 to 25 years old are overrepresented in road deaths, making up 19 percent of fatalities despite only accounting for roughly 10 percent of Victorian licence holders.

It’s well understood that phone use, including making phone calls, messaging and scrolling on social media is strictly banned, but the increased accessibility of cars and devices with Bluetooth and USB capability means that what is considered ‘using’ your phone can become confusing.

P-plate phone rules explained

Can I play music if my phone is connected by USB or via Bluetooth?

While you may not feel as though you are using your phone, under Victorian rules you are. Both P1 and P2 probationary drivers must never use any hands-free or hand-held device while driving, which includes listening to music. This applies even if you are able to change tracks or adjust volume from your steering wheel or car stereo or store your phone in a commercially designed holder.

So, Maps is also a no-go?

Correct. Using Maps on your phone, even via USB, is prohibited for both P1 and P2 drivers.

In terms of GPS, a unit can be in operation, but it must be inbuilt into the vehicle design, or secured in a commercially designed holder which is fixed on the vehicle. The navigation device cannot be a part of, or a functionality of, a mobile phone. Also, the address information should only be entered while a vehicle is pulled over and parked.

RACV encourages probationary drivers to plan their trip ahead, including looking up the route and for new or unfamiliar trips allowing extra time in case of the need to pull over and check directions.

What about if I have someone in the car with me? Can they put their phone on speaker?

Even if it is someone else’s phone, you’re technically the one using it and so it is still not allowed while on a probationary licence.

What classifies as being ‘parked’?

You must be stopped at a place where you can legally stop and leave the vehicle without it being a hazard. RACV advises to ensure the vehicle is in park and the handbrake is on. Being stationary, such as stopped at traffic lights, does not automatically mean parked.

For the purpose of using your mobile phone, a driver can be considered as legally parked with their keys in the ignition or the vehicle running. However, the vehicle must still be legally parked or pulled off the road before a hand-held mobile can be used.

Where do smartwatches fit into this?

A smartwatch is a watch that is able to be linked to the wearer’s mobile phone and enables them to access many of the functions of said phone so it should not be used by probationary drivers while driving.

They cannot be used for social media, emailing, making or receiving calls, text or video messages, when worn by the driver.

What are the repercussions of using your phone?

Loss of four demerit points and a fine.

Probationary drivers who reach five demerit points may incur a licence suspension.
 

SOURCE: RACV – Author Megan Whitfield MAY 2019

Takata Airbag Recall

October 2018

With more than two million Australian cars subject to the Takata airbag recall, RACV is urging manufacturers to act quickly.

In February 2018 the federal government announced a recall of 2.3 million vehicles with defective Takata airbags that pose a serious threat to lives.

It affects more than 60 models from manufacturers including Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Lexus, Chrysler and others.

The airbags have been associated with 20 deaths worldwide, including that of a New South Wales man who police say was fatally injured by flying shrapnel from his Honda CR-V airbag.

RACV’s Vehicle Engineering Manager Michael Case says “Now it is time for vehicle manufacturers and vehicle dealers to urgently replace these airbags so motorists can feel safe in their vehicles.”

“We acknowledge this recall will no doubt come as an inconvenience to many Victorians whose vehicles are affected,” says Mr Case. “It is important for Victorian consumers to know that replacing affected airbags is free of charge, even if you bought the car secondhand.”

Vehicle owners worried about defective Takata airbags can check whether their car is safe, with an online portal letting them check by entering just their number-plate details.

The website ismyairbagsafe.com.au has been set up by the Australian car industry, led by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

The airbags have been associated with 20 deaths worldwide, including that of a New South Wales man who police say was fatally injured by flying shrapnel from his Honda CR-V airbag.

RACV’s vehicle engineering manager Michael Case urges all owners to check their registration numbers on the site, and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s recall list at accc.gov.au, and to keep checking as more models are added to the recall list. 

 Worried about your airbags? Follow these steps

Visit ismyairbagsafe.com.au and accc.gov.au to see whether your vehicle is affected. 

If your car, motorcycle or truck is on the list, call your local dealership or manufacturer immediately to arrange to get the airbags replaced.

If your vehicle has Takata Alpha airbags (as noted on the Product Safety Authority list) do not drive the vehicle as it is a critical safety risk.

Do not interfere with the vehicle’s safety features as it could pose a serious safety risk.

Any questions, please give us a call at Macro Auto PH: 9874 8744

SOURCE: RACV

7 Things to Know Before Buying A Car

Have you done your research?

  • Do as much research as you can. Read consumer guides, get advice from Consumer Affairs Victoria , visit car sale sites, and most importantly, read new and used car reviews.
  • Consider what type of car suits your needs. For example, there’s no point buying a 4WD if you never leave the city.
  • Think about your car financing and budget. Will you buy a new car? Will you be visiting used car dealerships?
  • Always do a vehicle check. Take the prospective vehicle for a test drive.
  •  

Is a new or used car better?

  • New cars are less likely to present complications and can offer peace of mind.
  • New cars usually have improved fuel efficiency but face immediate depreciation.
  • A used car can be more affordable.
  • A well-maintained used car with regular service history can be a good buy.

How much do you really know about a car’s history?

  • Private sales can be risky, so be extra vigilant with car history checks. The online VicRoads registration check is a great place to start. Simply enter the vehicle’s registration and the VicRoads vehicle check will flag any disputes or sanctions associated with the vehicle.
  • Consider having your mechanic independently inspect the vehicle

What are your car finance and insurance options?

  • Consider all the fees and charges you may have to pay including registration fees, TAC charges, number-plate costs, government motor vehicle duty, dealer delivery charges, a registration transfer fee (for used cars) and luxury car tax.
  • Make sure you understand a contract before you sign it.
  • Take out at least third party and preferably comprehensive car insurance.

How safe is the vehicle?

  • Safety is often overlooked, particularly when buying an older vehicle.
  • Used Car Safety Ratings help you find the safest second-hand car for your budget. Consider also how an older car drives. Will you be happy to drive a vehicle that’s less connected to your devices or which doesn’t have a reversing camera?
  • There are 5-star ANCAP safety-rated cars available for every taste and budget.
  • The ANCAP rating will give you valuable information about the safety of new cars.

What are the car running costs?

  • Work out vehicle operating costs, vehicle depreciation, cents per kilometre, or even find out how you compare to the most economical small car.
  • Insurance is typically cheaper for common models, along with servicing, tyres and spare parts.
  • Consider fuel efficiency as a significant contributor to the cost of running a car.
  • Think about regular car servicing costs.

What are your vehicle re-sale prospects?

  • Maintain your vehicle in good condition to maximise its for sale price.
  • Keep up with regular servicing and use your vehicle logbook.
  • Consider neutral-coloured cars over bright ones, as they are easier to resell.

 

At Macro Auto we are happy to answer any questions so please give us a call 9874 8744.

SOURCE: RACV

Vehicle Safety Systems

The latest vehicle-safety systems may help you avoid a crash.

Modern cars have crumple zones, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and whiplash-reducing headrests. They’re commonplace to help disperse crash energy and minimise or eliminate injuries in serious crashes, something that has been instrumental in slashing the national road toll by more than half over the past 30 years.
But in the past decade the focus has turned to avoiding crashes, by fitting so-called active safety systems. While some active safety features have been around for a while, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) helping control skids and slides, the latest systems use cameras and radars that can react faster and more reliably than the driver.

AEB

This acronym denotes autonomous emergency braking, which will automatically slam on the brakes when the system detects another object ahead. AEB is common now on mainstream models, although the systems can vary enormously. The more sophisticated AEB systems see through fog and rain to more accurately interpret everything from other vehicles to pedestrians and cyclists.

A vehicle might contain one or more of these types of AEB systems:

• Low speed: This version targets city driving where crashes often occur at low speeds but can cause debilitating injuries such as whiplash. These systems use cameras or lasers to look for the reflectivity of other vehicles and are not as sensitive to pedestrians or roadside objects.

• High speed: These systems utilise long-range radar to scan further ahead of the vehicle (up to 200 metres) at higher speeds.

• Pedestrian systems: These versions typically use a camera combined with radar to detect pedestrians by their shape and characteristics. The way pedestrians move relative to the path of the vehicle is calculated to determine whether they are in danger of being struck.

• Reversing AEB: A more recent development, reversing AEB is designed to brake the vehicle when it is about to strike an object while reversing. This includes pedestrians as well as inanimate items.

Blind-spot warning
While modern cars have improved in almost every area, vision is one area where they have gone backwards, as more fashionable designs and safer structures conspire to obscure the driver’s view. Technology has come to the rescue, though, with sensors positioned in the mirrors or bumpers on the lookout for vehicles outside the driver’s view. A warning light in or near the exterior mirrors as well as audible warnings will alert you to any potential issues. More advanced systems can provide mild steering assistance to reduce the chances of an impact. Manufacturers are even developing these systems to look out for cyclists when the car is stationary.
Rear cross-traffic alert
Great for reversing out of driveways or parallel parking spots, rear cross-traffic alert uses rear radars to monitor traffic approaching from either side. Warnings are usually flashed up on the infotainment screen with an audible warning to alert you to approaching vehicles. Many rear cross-traffic alert systems will also apply the brakes to stop the car from continuing on its crash course.
Active cruise control
Cars that maintain a set speed have been around since the 1950s, but newer active cruise control systems use a radar to maintain a set distance to the car in front. The distance can be adjusted between various levels.
Lane-departure warning
A forward-facing camera or laser sensor monitors lane markings to determine when the car is wandering out of its lane. Warnings will typically involve beeps or vibrations of the steering wheel or seat, encouraging the driver to take corrective action.

Steering assist
An extension of lane-departure warning, steering-assist systems provide gentle steering assistance to help keep the car in its lane. At the very least they can help reduce fatigue by assisting with physical driving duties and, more seriously, they can prevent the car running off the road. However, steering assist systems aren’t perfect so it’s imperative the driver still focuses and controls the vehicle.

Brake assist
The difference between having a crash and avoiding one can often be a few metres, which is the sort of distance brake-assist systems can knock off an emergency braking situation. The car’s computer monitors pedal movements to predict a potential emergency. Usually it involves a very quick movement from the throttle to brake pedal, something hard to replicate without an emergency reaction. As soon as you touch the brake having jumped off the accelerator the car almost instantly brings the brake system up to its maximum level, providing maximum braking almost instantly.

SOURCE: RACV – Author Toby Hagon

7 Interesting Car Facts

We have found some interesting car facts. Check out the 7 ones we found most intriguing.

1. Car dashboards were originally designed to prevent mud from splattering the driver of a horse-drawn carriage.

2. The year 1886 is considered to be the birth of the modern car. In that year, German inventor Carl Benz built a modern automobile called the Benz Patent-Motorwagen.

3. Inventor Mary Anderson (1866-1953) invented the first effective windshield wiper. They were initially considered a distraction.

4. In Christopher Nolan’s film Batman, Bruce Wayne drives a Lamborghini Murcielago. In Spanish, Murcielago means, “bat.”

5. For many cars, the “new car smell” is actually toxic. It is composed of over 50 volatile organic compounds.

6. The BMW logo derives from the company’s origin as an airplane manufacturer. The now iconic blue and white “target sign” represents a spinning white propeller against a blue sky.

7. Approximately 5 months of a person’s life is spent waiting in a car at red lights.

 

SOURCE: Fact Retreiver

Technology for Country Roads

The RACV has written a piece on using technology to help improve safety on country roads. We hope you find this an interesting read.

Innovative technology will reduce crashes at high-speed rural intersections which claim the most lives on Victoria’s regional roads, according to RACV and other road safety experts.
A new variable speed-limit system on highways is triggered by sensors that detect cars approaching from side roads and temporarily reduce the highway speed from 100kmh to 70kmh. One of the first sets of electronic ‘side road activated speed signs’ is now on the Glenelg Highway in the Western District, with plans for about another 30 dangerous rural intersections.

In the past five years, 70 per cent of fatal intersection crashes in regional Victoria happened on high-speed roads, and the risk increased where minor side roads met main roads.
Emily McLean, RACV roads and traffic senior engineer, says the reduced highway speed-limit sign is only active when cars are sensed on side roads, so do not cause unnecessary delays to highway traffic by imposing permanent lower speed limits. She says lower highway speeds significantly reduce the severity of a crash if it happens.

“Where you have side roads meeting high-speed main roads, it’s a recipe for disaster,” Emily says.
She says the new system improves safety by warning highway drivers there is traffic approaching from a side road while allowing motorists on side roads a safer opportunity to join the highway traffic. 
Scott Lawrence, director of the Safe System Road Infrastructure Program, Regional Roads Victoria, says intersections in regional areas are high-risk.
“It can be difficult for drivers to find a break in the traffic to turn across or onto a main road – and if a crash does unfortunately occur, the impact at such high speeds can be devastating,” he says.
We’re installing this new technology to reduce both the likelihood and severity of crashes at these intersections, to prevent serious injuries and save lives.

“We’re installing this new technology to reduce both the likelihood and severity of crashes at these intersections, to prevent serious injuries and save lives.”
His organisation, along with the Transport Accident Commission, is spending $350,000 per site out of a $1.4 billion ‘Towards Zero Action Plan’ budget to reduce Victoria’s road toll to less than 200 by 2020.
The new technology is “exciting”, according to Dr Blair Turner, a chief technology leader at the Australia Road Research Board (ARRB) and member of the Australasian College of Road Safety’s executive committee.
He says the technology was first introduced in Sweden, and then New Zealand from 2012, where two studies showed reductions of up to 89 per cent in fatal and serious crashes.
He says the ARRB has conducted multiple trials of the technology around Australia and found its success was “staggering” compared to more costly and complex infrastructure measures.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman says original trials of the technology at 10 New Zealand rural intersections showed a significant drop in fatal and serious crashes and a 51 per cent drop in the overall crash rate.

David Moloney, the Southern Grampians Shire director of infrastructure, and acting sergeant Darren Smart of the Hamilton Highway Patrol, support the initiative and are waiting on preliminary findings on the Dunkeld site.

SOURCE – RACV – Author Sue Hewitt