Avoid the fatal five

South Australia's five most common causes of road trauma are speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction (including fatigue), dangerous driving and not wearing a seatbelt. How well do you know the fatal five road behaviours?

Words: Andrew Rasch Illustrations: Trent Lambert

1. You’re driving and the seatbelt feels uncomfortable across your shoulder. Instead, you tuck the seatbelt under your arm. Are you breaking the law?

A. Yes

B. No

2. Being awake for 24 hours has a similar effect on driving as what blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?

A. 0.10

B. 0.08

C. Fatigue doesn’t affect driving like alcohol does

D. 0.05

3. You’re travelling along the Sturt Highway at 110km/h and you’re coming up to an 80km/h speed limit sign. When does your speed need to be at 80km/h?

A. Within three seconds of passing the sign

B. As soon as you reach the sign

C. Within 100m of passing the sign

D. It depends on whether it’s a built-up area

4. You often call a friend while you’re driving but never touch your phone. When you’re talking hands-free, how much does your crash risk increase?

A. Two times

B. Ten times

C. Four times

D. There’s no increased crash risk if you’re talking hands-free

5. In an average year, what percentage of lives lost on SA’s roads are linked to alcohol and/or illicit drugs?

6. You must always travel at the signposted or default speed limit.

A. True

B. False

7. You’ve entered an intersection on a green light (with no arrow) to turn right. The light changes to yellow, then red, but an oncoming vehicle continues through the intersection. After the vehicle passes, are you legally able to complete your turn on the red light?

A. Yes

B. No

8. A police patrol pulls you over on Main North Road and informs you one of your rear adult passengers isn’t wearing a seatbelt. Who can be fined?

A. The passenger only

B. The driver and passenger

C. The driver only

D. The passenger and driver will only be cautioned

9. You pick up your child from school and they want to show you their latest drawing. You’re travelling at 60km/h and turn around to look for three seconds. Roughly how far have you travelled without watching the road in that time?

10. If you have a BAC of 0.05, how much more likely are you to be in a casualty crash compared to a driver who hasn’t drunk any alcohol?

A. Triple

B. There's no increased risk, because a 0.05 BAC is the legal limit for fully licensed drivers

C. Double

D. It depends on the type of alcohol you've been drinking

How did you go?

0–3 For your safety and others on the road, you need a refresher course quick smart.

4–6 Okay, but nothing to crow about just yet.

7–9 Good, but with more study you’ll be safe.

10 Impressive! We’d happily ride in your car.

Want to know more about the road rules?

Get in touch with our experts and improve your road safety. Call 8202 4570 or email motoringroadrules@raa.com.au

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