Ironically, the right side is in fact left. Here’s why it matters which side of the footpath you walk on.

Keep left unless overtaking

Unlike motorists who must legally keep left unless overtaking, pedestrians aren’t required to walk on the left side of the footpath.

It is, however, a good idea to keep left on the footpath, according to RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain.

“Similar to driving, keeping left can help pedestrian flow and give other footpath users the chance to pass if needed, particularly along some of the more popular paths like the coastal walk from Seacliff to Glenelg,” Charles says.

Safety aside, there are some lesser-known benefits to sticking left. If you’ve ever encountered an awkward moment weaving back-and-forth with a fellow pedestrian as you both decide who should pass who first, then sticking left might avoid future run-ins.

Footpath formalities

Now that we know which side of the footpath to stick to, there are a few ways to walk safely to avoid collisions with fellow footpath users who may not have got the memo that left is best.

When you’re walking on a footpath or shared path, it’s important not to unnecessarily block the path of fellow footpath. If you’re riding a bike, e-bike, wheeled recreational device or a personal mobility device (PMD), you must give way to pedestrians. This is where split paths can be useful. These are dedicated paths for walking and for bikes or e-scooter users.

If you’re walking or riding on a separated path, then it’s important to keep to the side of the path that matches your mode of transport. Bike only paths, as the name implies, are for bikes and wheeled devices, including e-scooters.

“Where there are separated paths, pedestrians mustn’t walk in the bike-only section and vice versa,” Charles says.

Pedestrians also mustn’t walk on bicycle only paths. In fact, they can be fined $61 if they fail to keep out of the path of cyclists.

No matter which side you’re on, knowing your surroundings and being aware of those you’re sharing the footpath with is important.

“When walking with friends, be mindful not to block the path of approaching pedestrians by walking three abreast,” Charles says. “Disband to allow other pedestrians or cyclists to pass and then regroup if you must.”

What happens when there’s no footpath?

If there’s no footpath or nature strip, or it’s not practical to use, pedestrians may walk on the side of the road. That said, it’s a lot riskier, so take precautions like walking on the edge of the roadside facing oncoming traffic. “Pedestrians can then see motorists or other road users coming towards them, and they can also see you,” Charles says.

Final word

When in doubt, we drive on the left side of the road in Australia, so it makes sense to walk on the left side of a footpath. Keeping left where practical can help the flow of foot traffic remain smooth and just like a walk in the park.

The post Which side of the footpath should you walk on? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Concerning stats from RAA have revealed that eight in 10 road users don’t know the correct minimum age or speed limits for e-scooters.

With e-scooters and e-bikes becoming a familiar sight on South Australian roads, footpaths and shared paths, they’re a convenient, affordable, fun and increasingly popular transport alternative.

But as more South Australians take to two wheels, the number of related injuries and even deaths is telling a different story.

Dedicated e-scooter laws were introduced in South Australia in July 2025, yet awareness remains dangerously low.

More than eight in 10 road users couldn’t identify the maximum speed limit for e-scooters on footpaths, and 77 per cent were unaware that 16 is the minimum age to legally ride these devices on public roads and footpaths.

SA Police has recorded 39 e-scooter injuries in SA as of early May 2026, including five serious injuries – up from 16 in December 2025.

RAA Senior Manager of Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the findings are a wake-up call.

“RAA is concerned about people buying and riding e-scooters, including parents buying them for their kids, without knowing the laws that exist to protect them,” he says.

“There’s also a cohort of riders flouting the law, causing great risk to themselves and other road users.”

E-bikes and the law

E-bikes are a growing part of this picture, and a growing concern. Many e-bikes now being sold and ridden in South Australia aren’t road-legal as they’re not pedal-assist and the motors don’t cut out at 25km/h. This means they’re legally motorbikes rather than bicycles.

Riders and parents may not realise the device they’ve purchased isn’t legal to be ridden in public, and riding an illegal e-bike carries both legal and safety consequences.

“E-bikes are surging in popularity and we’re seeing more of them on our roads and footpaths every week,” Charles says.

“But a significant number of those bikes are illegal, and many riders have no idea, or are simply disregarding the law.”

What RAA is doing

This month, RAA launched its e-scooter and e-bike safety awareness campaign – Don’t bury your head in the footpath – in a push to close knowledge gaps and make the consequences of dangerous behaviours on e-scooters and e-bikes impossible to ignore.

“E-scooters can be a convenient way for people to get around, but riders need to both know and follow the rules to keep themselves and others safe,” Charles says.

“By riding responsibly, South Australians can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters while keeping our footpaths and roads safe for everyone.”

Launching during National Road Safety Week (17–24 May), the campaign is designed to tackle two problems.  First, many riders are in denial because they’ve never been hurt and don’t believe they will be.

Others simply aren’t across the rules or find it confusing. In all cases, lives are at risk.

“When an illegal e-bike travelling at speed hits a pedestrian on a shared path, the consequences can be devastating,” Charles says.

“This isn’t about discouraging people from riding, it’s about making sure they know what they’re riding and how to ride it safely.”

The campaign covers five key safety areas:

• The difference between legal and illegal e-bikes
• Minimum age requirements for e-scooters
• The heightened risks to children
• Speed limits on footpaths and roads
• Helmet requirements.

RAA’s also convening a roundtable bringing together government, industry, trauma experts and students to help drive meaningful change through the State Government’s review of e-scooter legislation expected later this year.

The post Don’t bury your head in the footpath appeared first on samove.com.au.

There are about 1.7 million people carrying smartphones and 1.5 million registered vehicles on SA roads. Statistically there are more phones than cars – a potentially fatal combination.

The ongoing mobile phone detection camera roll-out means the rules are suddenly more prominent in our recent memory.

But laws banning motorists from holding and using a phone while driving have been in place in SA for almost two decades, with a handful of changes and updates made along the way.

And as our phones rapidly absorb more of what used to live in our wallets, the rules have had to keep being fine-tuned along the way.

Here are four times you can legally use your mobile phone while sitting behind the wheel of a running vehicle.

1. To pay

It’s been 10 years since tap-to-pay smartphone technology started nudging physical cards out of our wallets, making using a phone to pay while behind the wheel a bit of a grey area.

South Australian Road rules state that a driver can be stationary in a road-related area, engine running and keys in ignition – and legally hold their phone to make a payment – provided that the payment is required in the road related area. That can be when you’re at:

• A fast food drive-thru payment window, before stowing your phone  (not on your lap) before driving on to collect your meal
• A car park boom gate requiring payment to exit
• A grocery service window to present a digital gift card, QR code or voucher
• A car wash payment terminal.

This means you can’t pay back your passenger for your share of the meal as you drive away, or at lights, intersections or times when stopped in traffic.

2. To show ID

In October 2017, SA became the first Australian state to launch a digital driver’s licence, pipping NSW by one month and giving wallet manufacturers further cause for anxiety.

Through the mySA GOV app, South Australians could leave their physical wallet at home, instead presenting their phone to verify age for entry into pubs and clubs, and for roadside police checks.

Like paying for goods and services, holding a phone for purposes of ID has been cleared up in the legislation. You may hold your phone in your hand when your car is stationary in a road-related area to:

• Open the mySA GOV app and show your digital driver’s licence when asked by police
• Display a digital pass (such as when entering a gated car park) or staff access card at a boom gate for entry or exit
• Present digital proof of concession at a car park entry for discounted rate
• Show a digital boat registration or permit (as of November 2024) at a boat ramp entry point.

Again, this doesn’t mean you can hold your phone when stopped in traffic or at traffic lights.

3. To get from A to B

Gone are the days of carefully plotting your route page by page using a Gregorys Street Directory (and definitely not balancing it precariously on your knees while driving).

While digital navigating has been around since the 1990s, messing about with navigation on any touch screen (phone or otherwise), is just as distracting as balancing the street directory on your knees.

Many cars on the road predate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto entirely. Even in newer cars, built-in map updates can cost hundreds of dollars and may already be out of date on arrival. Smartphone apps with real-time traffic rerouting remain, for many drivers, simply more reliable.

What does this mean under SA’s phone laws? Unlike the previous two examples, using a mobile phone as a navigation aid can be done while the car is moving (unless you’re a L or P1 licence holder), but only under specific conditions.

The Australian Road Rules state that you can use your phone as a navigational tool while moving, but only if it’s secured in a proper mount and you can’t touch or tap any part of the phone or screen at any point while driving.

4. To make or receive an audio call

The car-phone was the original mobile phone, with technology so large it needed a vehicle to make and take calls transportable. Today, it’s still possible to use your phone to make or receive an audio call while driving, but only under certain circumstances.

• If your phone is securely mounted in a cradle attached to the vehicle, you may touch it to accept or end a call
• If your phone isn’t mounted (say, in your centre console or pocket) you may still make or receive an audio call without touching the phone. For example, you can use Bluetooth or voice activation. You can’t hold or look at the phone, rest it on your body (including your lap) or press or manipulate it in any way.

A quick note on what audio call means. You can’t make video calls, read or write text messages, or scroll through social media. It’s best to pull over and park, so you can give your recipient your full attention.

Rules for learners and P1 licence holders

If you have a learner’s permit or are a P1 provisional licence holder, there are special rules. You can use a mobile function to: pay for goods and services or show a code or coupon, or show identification.

You can’t use a smartphone as a navigation tool, even mounted in a cradle, or use any phone function while the car is moving, like hands-free or Bluetooth.

And, like all other motorists on the road, you still can’t use it when stopped at traffic lights or stationary in traffic.

The post 4 scenarios where you can use your phone at the wheel appeared first on samove.com.au.

In this short and sharp quiz, we test your knowledge on a new speed-rule that’s catching people out, the definition of a common SA pedestrian crossing, and the law to keep students safer near the school bus.

*Enter your answers, then click ‘submit’ at the end to check your score.

The post Quiz: Three tricky road rules appeared first on samove.com.au.

Is the price of fuel pushing your buttons? There’s another button in your car that you might want to press to help save fuel. Here’s where you can find it.

What’s the button?

Your car’s air-conditioning and heating system draws air from outside or inside the car. When you press the recirculation button, air is drawn from inside, recycling the air inside the cabin instead of pulling in air from outside.

The recirculation button’s other, albeit smaller role, is lesser-known and that’s to decrease the workload on the A/C. This is what can reduce energy usage and, subsequently, lower fuel consumption.

So, where can I find the recirculation button?

Look for the button with the arrow icon circulating in the car (pictured below). This is the recirculation button, typically found on the climate control panel in the centre of the dashboard, near the A/C icon.

How much money will I save?

Drumroll… the recirculation button. Were you waiting for a fancier name? Bear with us; it’s what this button can do that really impresses.

Full disclosure: this isn’t a magical button. You will still unfortunately need to visit a servo again in your lifetime. However, pressing the recirculation button means your engine won’t have to work as hard which, in turn, can be better for your fuel tank.

RAA Fuel Expert Peter Nattrass says while the recirculation button is unlikely to save you big dollars at the pump, every drop of fuel does count long term.

Remember, how much money and fuel you save depends on a range of factors, including the type of vehicle you drive and your driving habits.

For instance, turning on the air-conditioner, especially in vehicles manufactured before 2018, can have an impact on petrol usage. The extra fuel used can range from 1.3 to 7.5 per cent while driving and as high as 13 per cent when idling, according to researchers for the National Academy of Science Transportation Research Board.

In fact, Peter says safer driving practices, like not slamming your foot on the accelerator when the lights turn green, can also result in up to a 30 per cent reduction in fuel.

Make use of the button before winter!

Using the recirculation button in hot weather is particularly effective as it allows the car to cool down more efficiently.

According to RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the recirculation button shouldn’t be used regularly on cold or rainy days.

“This can cause windows to fog up and trap humidity in the cabin which can be dangerous and reduce your visibility of the road and other road users,” Charles says.

If you’re looking for other ways to save on fuel, we’ve listed seven tips here.

The post The button that can save you fuel appeared first on samove.com.au.

Nobody likes queue jumpers, mess-makers or those who take more than their share. The same applies when you’re using an electric vehicle (EV) charger.

With more EVs on SA roads than ever before, good charging practices are just as important as good fuel bowser habits – and will save you time, money and frustration.

South Australia’s estimated 19,265 plus electric vehicle (BEV) cars share about 400 public EV charging locations, including more than 140 RAA Charge sites. That’s an average of about 50 EVs per location.

This shows that there are plenty of chargers for everyone, and the EV network is continuing to grow.

Small courtesies like moving on once you’ve charged your vehicle and keeping the bays tidy help keep things running smoothly for all EV drivers.

Here are our top etiquette tips to help you plug in, power up and pull away like a pro.

1. 80 per cent is the new 100 per cent

Unless there’s nobody waiting or you absolutely must fully charge your battery for the extra range, avoid staying plugged in above 80 per cent. A DC fast charger can take your EV from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 15 to 45 minutes.

Above 80 per cent many EVs will significantly reduce the amount of power delivered to the battery. This means it can take the same time – or even longer – to continue charging the remaining 20 per cent as it takes from 10 to 80 per cent.

On a long trip, ending your charge at 80 per cent and then topping up every two hours can not only save you time in the long run, but also gives you the excuse for a much-needed rest and stretch break so you stay alert and safe behind the wheel

2. Avoid overstaying your welcome

Don’t hog the space. Once you’ve reach the level of charge you need, move your vehicle to another parking spot, and then continue shopping. Sharing cost nothing but overstaying your welcome can come at a price.

Some sites charge idle fees of up to $1 per minute when vehicles remain connected to a station well after reaching full charge. With nearly 20,000 EVs now on SA roads, these fees help keep chargers available for everyone.

Take note of the time, and check the on-screen info or charging app to see how long it will take for your vehicle to charge so you can be ready to roll on out of there once it’s finished.

3. A fine that’s ICEing on the cake

You’re driving an ICE vehicle, and the only spot left in the car park and is an EV charging bay. That’s fine, right? Actually, you will receive a fine.

ICEing isn’t a sweet treat. The term was coined for when drivers in ICE vehicles – cars that run on petrol, diesel or gas – park in spots dedicated to EV charging. EV drivers aren’t immune though. Any drivers who park their vehicles in an electric vehicle charging bay, for any reason other than to charge an electric vehicle, can receive a fine of up to $111 , plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy if issued by police.

Oh, and plugging in and pretending to charge to save a parking spot isn’t on either. The authorities can spot you ghost charging too. Now that leaves a sour taste.

4. The need for speed

A charger with multiple plugs will sometimes share power between each driver that’s plugged in. Just like when multiple people are streaming videos over Wi-Fi at the same time, everyone’s speed drops. If you can, plug into an unused charger in the first instance to get maximum speed for you and your fellow EV drivers.

While we’re on the topic of speed, do you really need to use the DC fast charger? If you’re not in a hurry and have time to stop and smell the roses, try leaving the fast charger for someone who needs it.

5. A trickle causing a big ripple

You know that feeling when you receive an electricity bill that’s much higher than you anticipated? And you’re wracking your brain to figure out what could have caused it? Well, imagine how accommodation owners feel when you trickle charge from your motel room without them knowing.

Some accommodation venues or attractions may already be on the charging network, some may let you use their electricity from an outside socket, and others won’t have any charging capability at all.

Next time you’re on a road trip, it’s good manners to check with the accommodation providers ahead of time, or for peace of mind, book a stay at one of the 51 RAA Charge destination accommodation sites. Charge your vehicle for less – and all while you’re sleeping.

6. Leave it better than you found it

The camping motto applies just as well to the charging bay you’re about to leave. It’s simple: make sure the charging bay is in good nick for the next person who comes along. Isn’t that how you’d like to find it?

This includes wrapping the long cables neatly, then hanging them back up when you’re finished so it can’t be run over and damaged, and ensuring the plug is securely back in the charging station.

In the case of a charger that isn’t working, use the relevant charging app or call the number to lodge a fault, and leave a comment on PlugShare so future visitors can be forewarned.

7. There’s no place like home

If you can, charge your car at home and you’ll save both time and money. Costs vary depending on car requirements, energy tariffs, and whether you have solar and battery but it means you won’t have to wait at an EV charging station and save you having to fork out at a pricier public charging bay.

8. Practice makes perfect

A little bit of prior preparation and planning can go a long way to help preserve your pride and avoid provoking other patrons. So if you’re using a public charger for the first time, don’t wait until you’re 200km from home to give yourself a crash course in how to use it. Instead, take a leaf out of the Scouts handbook, and be prepared:

• Before leaving home, download and link your payment account in the appropriate app, such as Chargefox for the RAA Charge network
• Practice at a DC charger that’s close to home, and during an off-peak time. That way, if you have any questions, you have a support network not far away – including the RAA.

9. Mind your Ps and queues

As EVs gain in popularity, each public charger is shared among a higher proportion of drivers. If a charger is busy, simply wait your turn. Park nearby so you can keep an eye on the charge or try a different location.

You can also use apps like PlugShare to acknowledge you’re next in line. If everyone uses the same system, everyone wins.

Bonus tip: Go the extra mile

Kindness never hurt anybody and, with the uptake in sales of EVs, there’s many new drivers joining the club.

This means there are drivers who will be using public chargers for the first time. If you see someone confused or taking longer than you’d like, be kind. Help them out and show them the ropes. To our seasoned EV drivers, you helped pave the way, so you know how it feels to be new.

The post 9 EV charger etiquette tips appeared first on samove.com.au.

Traffic is banked up on Henley Beach Road and you’re crawling slowly towards the city. Finally, there’s a gap and you give a little wave to the car on the side street to let them know they can enter the flow of traffic.

Before you know it, your generous gap-giving gesture has been taken for granted. Two, three, four cars push their way through. So, how many cars should you let in?

Be mindful of merging motorists

According to RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, it pays to stop and allow fellow motorists through gaps in traffic.

“Letting a fellow motorist in or out is a simple courtesy,” Charles says.

“If someone lets you in, acknowledge their good gesture. You never know when you’ll be in a similar situation,” he says.

However, while waving motorists through might sound friendly, allowing too many to pass can cause more confusion.

Why? Every driver is different; some might allow one or more vehicles through while others none.

“This type of unpredictability can cause a lot of second-guessing and confusion behind the wheel,” Charles says.

“If you’re unsure if another driver is going to let you in, wait a few moments, make eye contact with them and check for a wave or a similar gesture.”

The one-for-one rule

In situations like this, the one-for-one rule can be applied to help keep traffic moving smoothly and safely in situations when road space is restricted due to roadworks or a roadside breakdown. So, what is one-for-one and how does this method of merging work?

Think of it like a zip merge. When you allow a vehicle to enter the flow of traffic, the vehicle behind yours should follow suit and let the next vehicle enter and so forth.

“That’s provided there’s a safe gap and traffic hasn’t resumed to normal,” Charles adds.

While the one-for-one rule isn’t specified in the Australian Road Rules (motorists aren’t legally obligated to follow it), Charles advises it can be a safer and more predictable way to keep traffic moving when conditions are busy or roadworks restrict traffic lanes while showing a little courtesy to your fellow motorist.

Final word

Along with being alert to motorists merging in your path, watch for ‘Keep Clear’ road markings.

These painted road markings are used to indicate areas where vehicles must not stop or park, particularly at intersections or junctions. These markings are designed to maintain smooth traffic flow and prevent vehicles from blocking access to side roads.

“It’s important to note that these markings aren’t give way signs and do not obligate drivers to allow other vehicles to merge into the traffic stream,” Charles says.

“Instead, ‘Keep Clear’ road markings are intended to allow vehicles to turn into or out of a road in situations where it would be difficult because of queued traffic.

“Once traffic on the continuing road starts to move then drivers on the side road must wait for a suitable gap in the traffic unless they get waved into the road.”

The post Poll: How many cars do you let in? appeared first on samove.com.au.

In this video, we show you how to make your wheels sparkle.

Time to wash the rest of the car. Watch our video about the two-bucket method, which can reduce the risk of scratching your car while washing it.

The post How to clean your car wheels appeared first on samove.com.au.