You’ve come to the right place, because we have three scenarios, including a roundabout rule, that might leave you scratching your head.

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

1. The red car wants to turn right from Flagstaff Road onto Black Road at Flagstaff Hill as shown. Is it legal to do so?

A. No, because it’s illegal to change lanes while driving around a roundabout

B. No, because the red car would cut off the green car from entering the roundabout

C. Yes, the red car can change lanes to exit the roundabout

D. No, the red car must drive around the roundabout as the arrows indicate

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2. The yellow car is turning right from Pirie Street onto Hutt Street and needs to get in the left lane of Hutt Street. Which of the following is most accurate?

A. The yellow car must turn into the right lane, then indicate left and change lanes when safe

B. The yellow car must turn into the right lane and drive a minimum of 200 metres before changing lanes

C. The yellow car can legally turn directly into the left lane

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3. The blue car is turning left onto Montacute Road to head west towards the city. The yellow car is turning right onto Montacute Road to head in the same direction. A ‘LEFT TURN ON RED’ sign applies to the blue car. Who gives way when the lights are green for Forest Avenue traffic?

A. The yellow car

B. The blue car

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Submit

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SA drivers can now see where all 159 time-based 40km/h school speed limits are located on an interactive map.

And by the end of the year, another 40 schools are set to receive time-based speed limits.

Which schools will get the new 40km/h limit, and where are the cameras?

Of the 40 schools soon to receive the reduced speed limit, 24 have an existing speed and red-light camera at the location (across 21 sites), which will be able to issue offences at the reduced speed limit once signposted.

Currently, only four of the 119 schools that already have time-based speed limits have a fixed camera at the location.

New and existing school speed limit sites with fixed cameras will receive flashing speed limit signs to show when the 40km/h limit is in operation – between 8:00am-9:30am and 2:00pm-4:00pm on government school days.

Prominent new locations include:

•  Portrush Road at Linden Park Primary School
•  Shepherds Hill Road at Blackwood High and Primary Schools
•  and Main North Road / Regency Road at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College

All these locations have fixed cameras.

RAA’s interactive map of SA school speed limits

A new interactive map created by RAA shows existing and upcoming locations for school speed limits across the state, and which locations currently have a fixed camera.

RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain is encouraging drivers to explore the map to see where time-based school speed limits are located along their daily commute.

“RAA has built this new map to help drivers see where all of the time-based school speed limits apply, and to improve road safety for our most vulnerable road users,” Charles says.

“With 40 more schools getting the time-based limit in the coming months, now is a good time for drivers to check where they are and when they apply.

“These sites are on arterial roads that thousands of South Australians drive every day, so even if you think you know your route well, there may soon be a new time-based speed limit on it.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users – they’re smaller, harder to see and can be unpredictable near roads, so slower speeds give drivers more time to react if a child steps out unexpectedly.”

40km/h time-based limits vs 25km/h school zones

The 40km/h time-based limit applies where signposted on main roads near a school. It does not affect 25km/h school zones on local roads, which apply whenever children are present, even on non-school days.

The post New map shows every 40km/h time-based speed limit appeared first on samove.com.au.

Let’s face it: you should respect all road rules, especially ones involving those who’ve passed away.

If you’ve ever driven near a hearse with a convoy of vehicles following closely behind, you may have wondered what’s the most respectful way to drive. Is it ever okay to overtake a car carrying a coffin? Can I cut in front of a funeral procession? Take note: the latter isn’t just bad manners; it’s been illegal since 2024.

The relatively new Australian Road Rule prohibits road users from pushing in between procession vehicles travelling on the road, including at intersections and roundabouts.

If you’re caught carelessly cutting in, the penalty is a $133 fine, plus the $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

If you’re impatient and drive dangerously to get around a funeral procession, you can be charged with other offences, like speeding, tailgating or failing to give way.

Grieving also doesn’t give drivers the green light to break the rules. Forget running red lights and speeding; road rules still apply even when you’re travelling as part of a funeral cortege.

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the funeral procession shouldn’t unnecessarily hold up traffic.

“They shouldn’t travel at a pace that is significantly slower than the speed limit,” Charles says. “They may travel a little under the posted speed limit, depending on the conditions,” he says.

If you find yourself in the middle of a funeral procession, Charles advises motorists to try to pull over safely if it’s practicable.

“Let the whole procession through once the hearse and convoy has passed if you safely can,” he says.

“Driving with caution and following the rules is important, as is common sense and manners so don’t push into the line and certainly don’t honk.”

Remember, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, for any reason, can be a matter of life or, dare we say it, death.

The post Respect this little-known road rule appeared first on samove.com.au.

Maybe they’ve puzzled you, or maybe you’ve never even noticed them before, but that gradient pattern of black dots on your windscreen isn’t a style choice. It’s a safety feature.

Connecting the dots

Have a look at your car. On almost every modern car, you’ll see a thick black band around the edge of the glass, followed by rows of dots that shrink with each row until they fade out into clear glass.

The band and dots are called ‘frits’ – a weird name for something up until now you didn’t know had, or even needed a name. For those interested in etymology, the word entered English in the mid-17th century through glassmaking and ceramics, from the Italian word fritta, meaning ‘fried’ or baked – which is a clue.

Frits are made from finely ground glass and ceramic particles which are melted and permanently fused into the glass during the baking process. You’ll find them around fixed windows such as the front and rear windscreens and the small triangular side windows.

This unassuming pattern looks neat, but it also serves five important purposes.

1. Better grip for the glue: The frit band gives the glass a rough surface, helping the specialised polyurethane adhesive bond firmly to the glass and the car’s frame which would otherwise break it down over time.

2. Less heat stress: The black band absorbs more heat than clear glass. The fading dots spread that heat gradually through the glass, reducing the temperature difference that can cause it to crack.

3. UV protection: The band shields the adhesive from the sun’s UV rays, which could otherwise degrade over time.

4. Less distortion: Uneven heating can also make glass distort, so straight lines look curved or rippled – just like the mirage shimmer on a road on a hot day. The shrinking dots help the glass heat evenly, keeping your view clear.

5. Easier on the eyes: The dots soften the transition from solid black to clear glass, so it isn’t so jarring when you’re driving.

Frits have one purely aesthetic purpose too, and that’s hiding the messy glue bead where the glass meets the car’s frame.

Does one size ‘frits’ all?

No, the size and spacing of the dots vary between manufacturers and even between models, and some carmakers like to have fun with them

Jaguar E-Pace owners should have a closer look at their front window, where a mother jaguar and her cub are silhouetted in the frit. Jeep, too, is known for hiding ‘Easter eggs’ throughout their vehicles, and their fun frits include miniature Jeeps, T-rexes and Bigfoot. Can you find the tiny Willys Jeep below? (American model pictured. Image: Newspress)

Frits aren’t just for cars, either. Look at your oven door and you may spot a similar ceramic border.

Now you know more than you ever needed to know about frits, you’ll be spotting them everywhere.

The post What are those dots on your windscreen? appeared first on samove.com.au.

After six years, Kia’s smallest SUV in Australia has received a much-needed facelift packed with more technology than ever alongside mild-hybrid assistance.

We tested the top-of-the-range Kia Stonic GTLine. Priced at about $37,000, it’s a bit expensive for the SUV’s size, and the ongoing servicing costs are on the higher side. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Stonic base model has a recommended retail price of $28,180.

Features

The GT-Line features a sunroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats and steering wheel, alloy pedals, ambient lighting and a ventilated wireless phone charger.

It also includes the Kia Connect suite with embedded internet connectivity, app-based remote services, and over-the-air software updates. All of this is covered by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

When Kia stopped selling the popular Rio hatch, the Stonic became the SUV-styled replacement in January 2021.

The facelift includes significant upgrades to justify the $2000 to $3200 price increase. The dashboard and centre console have been redesigned to include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the GT-Line also has a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Most noticeable is the two-tone leatherette square-looking sports steering wheel. As is the norm in many modern cars, the steering wheel lacks one-touch dials or switches for many frequently used functions.

Despite its size, the Stonic is reasonably spacious with adequate space for rear seat passengers. A handy retractable parcel shelf lives behind the rear seats and the mild-hybrid battery is under the boot floor where the spare wheel used to be.

On the road

The same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine powers the Stonic but now the 48-volt mild-hybrid version, which has been on sale in overseas markets for some time, is now available in Australia. The result is a fun drive with a unique but powerful sounding rumble that’s a trademark of three-cylinder engines.

At low revs it can take a while to build up steam, but once in the mid-range – thanks to the 48-volt system’s assistance – it’s very driveable even at highway speeds on country roads. On top of that, the locally tuned suspension helps provide a balanced ride and handling package.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission occasionally has the odd hesitation on take-off, and when the engine is cold it can surge a little.

The mild-hybrid EV system boosts fuel economy but during testing we used 6.1 litres per 100km, not the 5.0 litres per 100km claimed by Kia.

Besides the stop and start function, to save fuel the Stonic will ‘sail’ when coasting, switching off the engine or letting it idle.

The refresh has given the Stonic a new lease on life with more modern tech and a powerplant that has enlivened the Stonic. It has, however, come at a price increase that might deter some potential buyers.

The post Car review: Kia Stonic appeared first on samove.com.au.

Following its strategy of offering vehicles that are great value for money, GWM is now in the top 10 car brands sold in Australia.

The new Ora 5 SUV is exactly that – it’s Australia’s most affordable SUV electric vehicle (EV) and it’s also full of kit.

Value for money

The Ora 5 SUV has a features list that you would normally see in a car costing $10,000 more than the $33,990 driveaway price. Features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, telematics via the GWM app, leatherette multi-function steering wheel and a six-way power driver seat.

For $3000 more, the Ultra variant adds a glass roof, an electric tailgate, nine-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and wireless phone charging. Both versions have seven airbags and a comprehensive list of active driver safety and assistance technologies. With capped pricing servicing at $195 year, even the running cost is good value.

The Ultra is the pick of the pair. Later this year there will be an even cheaper hatch model available which will be a more city centric car with lower driving range.

Design and function

Externally, the Ora 5 SUV is distinctive as there isn’t a single flat panel on the car’s body, and GWM says the designer avoided any harsh lines and aggressive styling in favour of smooth, flowing surfaces inspired by the natural world. This results in a bit of an arty appearance that drivers either love or hate.

The four-leaf clover design wheels add to the edginess, and GWM claims they have less drag than a conventional wheel and increase the driving range by 5km.

The Ora 5 sits at the larger end of the small SUV class, giving it generous interior space finished in materials that feel a cut above the car’s price. There are more than 30 storage areas in the cabin, including dedicated umbrella holders integrated into the front-door pockets. And, unlike many newer vehicles, the Ora 5 has a spare wheel.

There’s a mounted 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dash and handy toggle switches for quick access to the main air-conditioning controls. This is complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

The Ora 5 also has a very useful Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, providing up to 6kW of power output to operate compatible external 240V appliances and equipment during camping trips, outdoor activities or anything else you need. Probably because of its left-hand drive origins, the charging plug is located on the driver side front guard which could be an issue for kerb charging where the cable has to cover a longer distance.

On the road

GWM has joined Kia and Hyundai in tuning its suspension for Australian roads, and it makes sense. Australia has a wide variety of roads and surfaces and this tune is evident. Ex-Holden chassis guru Rob Trubiani did the tune at the Lang Lang proving ground, and it handles country roads well but can feel a little firm around town.

The Ora 5 packs a 150kW/260Nm front motor and a 58.3kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 430km. The regenerative braking is not sufficient for truly one pedal driving and unlike some EVs, the Ora 5 SUV can tow 750kg. GWM says their safety testing of the battery includes submerging it in water for 48 hours.

A final word

As petrol prices climb the market is increasingly moving to EVs, I think GWM are on to a winner with the Ora 5 SUV because its great price, excellent value and very usable range.

The post Car review: GWM Ora 5 SUV appeared first on samove.com.au.

If you’re buying a second-hand electric vehicle (EV), you can now get a test to see how much life is left in the car’s battery before you hand over cash.

RAA has become one of the state’s first providers of independent EV battery health checks and will deliver the result on the same day as the test.

Why it matters

A recent RAA survey found battery lifespan is the second most common concern among prospective EV drivers, raised by 58 per cent of South Australians surveyed.

At the same time, EV sales in SA continue to climb, with EVs making up 33.5 per cent of new-car sales in September as more motorists look to reduce running costs amid high fuel prices.

How the test works

Now part of RAA’s Vehicle Inspection offering, the battery checks independently assess an EV battery’s state of health – the percentage of a battery’s original capacity that remains – to produce a comprehensive report about the battery’s condition.

The report outlines:

• The vehicle’s current driving range
• Whether the battery is degrading normally
• How it compares with other vehicles of the same make, model and age.

The test is carried out using a plug-in device that connects to the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, with results generated in as little as three to four minutes.

RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says the new offering will help take the guesswork out of buying, selling or simply owning an EV.

“As more South Australians make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re seeing growing demand for a way to check the real condition of EV batteries,” Peter says.

“Battery health has been one of the biggest question marks for people considering an EV, particularly a used one, so we’re pleased to be one of the first providers to offer this kind of independent testing in South Australia as part of our vehicle inspection service.

“This test gives an independent, cell-level assessment of the battery health, so owners and buyers can know exactly what they’re getting from an EV’s battery.”

RAA is using the TÜV-certified AVILOO battery diagnostic platform, which is used by manufacturers and dealers around the world, to deliver the checks.

The post Buying a used EV? How you can get the battery checked appeared first on samove.com.au.

Imagine driving at 60km/h and you feel a sneeze coming on, so you close your eyes for a split second to let it out.

We’ve been taught to never take our eyes off the road, but what happens when they’re involuntarily forced shut by a sneeze?

The simple act of sneezing while driving can be more dangerous than you think, according to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain.

In fact, shutting your eyes for just a second while sneezing and driving at 60km/h means you’ve travelled more than 15 metres without seeing the road. That’s nearly three car lengths.

“You’re essentially travelling blind during that period,” Charles says. “And taking your eyes off the road for any amount of time is never recommended.”

When you can’t hold in a sneeze

Stopping a sneeze isn’t always possible, nor is it recommended. Did you know holding in a sneeze can apparently push more bacteria into your sinuses? That’s another story.

So, what should you do when you need to ‘achoo’ while driving? You can’t exactly plan your sneezes to a tee (if you can, well done – that’s a skill).

“You can be mindful of the riskier areas where you should pay more attention, like through intersections and roundabouts,” Charles says.

“If you feel a sneeze coming on, pull over at a safe location if possible and wait until it passes, particularly if you’re a multi-sneezer.”

Sneezing is usually a whole-body reflex, meaning your head may also jerk forwards and your eyes water as well which can blur your vision.

“If there isn’t a safe place to stop before sneezing, keep both hands on the wheel, your head upright, and try to keep your eyes open as much as possible during the sneeze,” Charles says.

“Take your foot of the accelerator as well so that you don’t inadvertently increase speed mid-sneeze if your body flexes.”

In this situation, it also pays to leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front to increase your stopping distance.

If you struggle with hay fever, make sure any medication you’re taking to treat allergies at this time of year is drowsy-free, for obvious reasons.

Just for fun

Most people squeeze their eyes shut automatically when they sneeze, but apparently there are some who can sneeze with their eyes open. Are you one of them? Let us know by voting in the poll below.

The post Is sneezing dangerous behind the wheel? appeared first on samove.com.au.