Does your stomach drop when the only parking spot requires you to bust out a reverse parallel park?

Or do you drive on to a park further away so you don’t need to reverse at all? You wanted to get your step count up anyway.

Perhaps a right turn across multiple lanes of two-way traffic makes your heart flutter faster than your indicator when the fuse has blown. You’re not an ambi-turner like Zoolander, so surely it’s easier to turn left and do U-turn somewhere safer.

Let’s face it, some driving manoeuvres are just plain scary.

The post Which driving manoeuvre do you dread the most? appeared first on samove.com.au.

By now you know to keep both hands on the steering wheel when driving, but exactly where should they be positioned?

If you’ve had your driver’s licence for a while, you were probably taught the 10 and two rule, while kids these days likely know six and seven (if you know, you know but we do not recommend this).

So, here’s where your hands really should go.

What’s the rule?

Imagine your steering wheel as a clock. Place your hands at 10 and two. This was once considered the safest steering position because it was thought that gripping the wheel at a higher point gave the driver more control of the vehicle.

New technologies, such as airbags and power-assisted steering, mean this position is outdated. Nine and three is now the preferred position as drivers are typically said to have better control of the vehicle, especially when completing emergency manoeuvres like sudden swerving to avoid a hazard.

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, where you place your hands on the steering wheel can be lifesaving.

“Having your hands at 10 and two can unintentionally obstruct the steering wheel airbag when it’s deployed in a collision,” Charles says.

Besides safety, keeping your hands parallel at nine and three can make for a comfier drive.

“It’s also easier to access controls like the indicators or wipers,” Charles says.

But the biggest safety message for drivers to get a handle on is not necessarily where to place their hands but more so keeping both hands on the steering wheel the entire time they’re driving. This includes when the driver is stationary at the traffic lights, but not in park.

Can I be fined if my hands aren’t at nine and three?

You won’t be specifically fined for driving without your hands at nine and three, nor would you be penalised if they were at six and seven (again, not recommended).

That said, if you’re caught without proper control of the vehicle (not having a firm grip on the steering wheel can cause this), it’s considered unsafe and you may be handed a $236 fine, plus a $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

Steps to safe steering

Always position your hands at nine and three on the steering wheel. “Don’t rest your arm on the door as this can reduce your control of the vehicle and delay reaction times,” Charles says.

Leave your white knuckles for the rollercoaster. “Don’t tighten your grip on the steering wheel on wet or slippery roads as you can lose control of the vehicle,” Charles explains. “Only tighten your grip slightly when cornering or braking.”

The post Where should your hands go on the steering wheel? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Two-thirds of lives lost on South Australian roads were in crashes in regional areas, according to 2025 SA Police statistics.

We often think about these crash victims and their families, friends and communities, but what about the first responders who attend these horrific scenes?

Saving lives from the air

The Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT (RFDS) airlifts an average of 15 South Australians every day in remote or rural locations. Reasons range from a patient transfer at a small regional hospital, to a serious crash on a rural road where vehicle occupants may have life-threatening injuries.

RFDS Retrieval Consultant Dr Rose Skalicky plays an important role in saving lives when there’s a crash in rural or outback SA. Rose, who has been working with the RFDS since 2021, says rescue teams face several challenges when attending a roadside crash.

“From a medical point of view, getting to the crash site in time is a challenge,” she says. “We’d love to be there as soon as possible, but there’s going to be a time lag where patients may not have received treatment except first-aid, which can still be lifesaving.”

When attending a crash, the RFDS team usually needs to land at a nearby airstrip, unload their equipment and drive to the scene in a ute or four-wheel-drive.

Once they arrive on the scene of a road crash, Rose’s team is tasked with stabilising the patient, or even performing life-saving emergency procedures, before transporting them to hospital.

“As you can imagine, the roadside isn’t a clean hospital environment and we have a lot of environmental challenges to negotiate,” Rose says.

“The flies, insects and even rain can be full-on, and we only travel with a flight nurse, doctor and pilot, so we’re a tight team that works together, and sometimes we need bystanders to assist.”

The RFDS works alongside other emergency services, including the Country Fire Service (CFS), SA Police and State Emergency Service, when helping road crash victims.

CFS on the scene

Lobethal CFS Brigade Captain Jason Draper says the CFS Road Crash Rescue team undertakes intensive training to ensure they can work seamlessly with other emergency services.

“Crews work well with other services because they’re well drilled, experienced, knowledgeable and efficient,” Jason says. “This benefits the patient, so we can quickly extricate people and get them mobilised towards medical care and ensures we’re aware of hazards we might encounter.”

The Lobethal CFS Brigade can attend some confronting road crashes when working in the Adelaide Hills. Due to being based in a tight-knit regional centre, there is the potential for crews to attend crashes where they know the victim.

“On arrival at a scene, if you see the car of someone you know, it can absolutely have an impact and potentially an ongoing one as well,” Jason says.

“That’s where things like SPAM (Stress Prevention and Management) services come into it with counselling so we can talk things out with a professional. We’re also really close here at Lobethal and debrief after each callout.”

People like Tony Hudson who crashed his vehicle in 2023 while crossing the Nullarbor. A large kangaroo collided with his car, causing Tony to lose control of the vehicle.

On arrival, the RFDS determined that Tony had life-threatening injuries and critical care procedures were the only way to save his life. They treated a collapsed lung and other critical injuries before anaesthetising and intubating him for the three-hour flight to Adelaide.

Tony says if it wasn’t for the RFDS, he would’ve died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

“Hearing about the nurses and doctors basically operating on me on the road with all the dirt, dust, cars going by at high speeds, I can’t believe that,” he says.

“This was out in the middle of nowhere and people came from everywhere to help. It wasn’t one or two people, it was a whole group. I thank every single one of them – I can’t put it into words.”

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says fatigue, distraction, drugs, alcohol, travelling long distances, and not wearing seatbelts all play a part in regional road crashes.

“When you’re driving long distances in remote areas, allow extra time, particularly if you’re driving on unfamiliar roads,” Charles says. “Plan ahead, take regular breaks and share the driving where possible. Being prepared and having a plan are the simplest ways drivers can reduce the risk of having a serious crash.”

RAA’s Community Impact Fund

Last year, RAA launched its new $5 million Community Impact Fund to support grassroots organisations, regional community initiatives, and new partnerships across South Australia – with a strong focus on road safety.

In December 2025, RAA announced it would increase its support to the CFS Foundation to help fund the CFS Road Crash Rescue Training Program. Providing specialist casualty care skills for CFS volunteers, the program helps the CFS purchase critical tools and upgrade equipment needed for vehicle extrication.

RAA’s also supporting the RFDS simulator – a vital tool for training aeromedical staff and showcasing the life-saving work of the RFDS across South Australia.

The post Stories from the scene appeared first on samove.com.au.

Your seatbelt is on, both hands are on the wheel and your phone is out of sight. Unfortunately, you can be a perfectly law-abiding driver and still be fined, and it’s all thanks to who you have in your vehicle.

Did you know the person behind the wheel isn’t solely responsible for keeping everyone safe? Passengers also play a part.

In fact, their actions can get you in trouble even when you follow the road rules to a tee. Here are three ways your passengers can land you a fine, and even demerit points.

1. When your passenger shows you something on their mobile phone

By now you should know it’s against the law to use your mobile phone while driving but what if your passenger gives you a quick peek of theirs?

Before taking a squiz of the soccer highlights on Phil’s phone, stop and save it for when you’ve parked the car safely.

In South Australia, a driver can be fined for looking at a passenger’s phone if the screen, or another device, is visible from the driver’s seat when you’re driving or even stopped at the lights. This rule doesn’t apply when the car is parked by the side of the road with the parking brake on and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the driver technically doesn’t have to physically hold the phone to get in trouble.

“It doesn’t matter who is holding the phone,” Charles says.

“If the screen is visible and the driver looks at it then the driver is in breach of the road rules.”

Tempting as it is to replay Lionel Messi’s magic on screen, save it for later.

“If you’re driving, don’t let a passenger tempt you to look at anything on their phone or device unless you have parked the vehicle first,” Charles says.

Penalty: Keep your eyes off all mobile phones (whether it’s yours or not) to avoid a $133 fine and $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

2. When your passenger doesn’t buckle up

Your mate Bill’s a great bloke until he sits alongside you in your car without a seatbelt on.

In this scenario, the driver (you) and passenger (Bill) can face consequences on roads in South Australia.                                            

Charles says while both driver and passenger are responsible for wearing their seatbelt, it’s ultimately up to the driver to ensure everyone is buckled up before hitting the road.

“If your passenger removes their seatbelt while the vehicle is moving, try to pull over safely and make sure they buckle up before driving again,” he says.

Penalty: The driver can be fined $463 and incur three demerit points if a passenger isn’t wearing a seatbelt. If the passenger who isn’t wearing a seatbelt is 16 years and older and has a driver’s licence, they can also receive the same penalty. Bigger consequences apply if more than one passenger isn’t wearing a seatbelt. In this case, the driver will still be fined $547 but accumulate five demerit points. Our message for Bill is simple: buckle up, buttercup.

3. When your passenger has a hand (or other body part) out the window

It’s always great when your passenger Paula is there to lend a hand with directions but not so much when that hand is out the window.

The Australian Road Rules state both drivers and passengers must not travel with any part of their body outside a vehicle’s window or door. Think hand, arm, leg, head or any other body part.

Penalty: Driving when a passenger has a body part outside the window or door will land you, the driver, a $236 fine and three demerit points. The passenger can also face the same penalty if they have a driver’s licence.

Ah, there’s nothing quite like the wind through your hair… until someone (the driver) gets in trouble.

The post 3 ways your passenger can get you fined appeared first on samove.com.au.

The best part of the song is about to hit as you pull into a busy car park and start looking for a vacant spot. You turn down the volume. Talk about a buzzkill. So, does dialling down the car’s stereo really help you see better?

Turning down the volume, or muting it entirely, doesn’t necessarily improve your eyesight, but it can help your brain focus more on driving by reducing sensory overload.

The theory                                  

Driving requires constant attention to visual cues so any type of distraction, like music or even podcasts played at a reasonable volume, can be distracting and potentially dangerous.

According to 2019 research conducted by the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) delivered by Monash University, drivers tend to subconsciously lower the volume of their car stereo to avoid cognitive overload.

The NRSPP study revealed a driver’s brain goes into multitasking mode when driving, managing braking, accelerating, steering, indicating and other vital tasks.

Naturally, many drivers instinctively try to reduce unnecessary sensory input, even when the volume is at an acceptable level.

Are you one of those drivers who see better with their ears? Vote in our poll below.

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says reducing external audio input allows your brain to allocate more attention to the task at hand which is, in this situation, driving safely.

“Loud music or even rowdy passengers can make it very difficult to concentrate,” Charles says.

“This might particularly be the case in more challenging situations such as driving on winding roads in rainy conditions or trying to turn right on a busy street.”

So, should you dial it down?

Keeping the volume at reasonable levels means you can still enjoy the music (even sing along if you must – but keep both hands on the steering wheel). You should be able to continue to concentrate on what’s happening on the road.  

“Keep the volume at a comfortable level,” Charles says. “You should also be able to hear audible warning messages from your car as well as approaching emergency service vehicles.”

Final word

Hearing what’s going on around you is as important as seeing your surroundings when you’re behind the wheel.

Whether you’re the type of driver who can concentrate with rock music vibrating through their bones or require silence when steering with a muted sound system, driving safely should always be the priority, even if it means missing the best part of the song.

Missed our story on whether you can be fined for playing loud music in your car? Read it here.

The post POLL: Do you turn the volume down to ‘see’ better? appeared first on samove.com.au.

A $7.50 coffee from your local café might be affordable compared to the price of your caffeine fix behind the wheel.

Innocently sipping your beverage, particularly a steaming hot one while steering, can be dangerous – and costly.

Drinking coffee, water or other drinks while driving isn’t against the law but the simple act of taking a sip of your drink means taking your hand off the wheel and dividing your attention between drinking while not spilling any and maintaining control of your vehicle. Doing this while driving could have disastrous consequences.

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says drivers should always keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of the vehicle as this allows them to respond more effectively in an emergency.

“Doing anything that takes your concentration away while driving, like drinking or eating, poses a risk to you and your ability to control the vehicle,” Charles says.

How your coffee can land you in hot water

In South Australia, you won’t be fined specifically for drinking or eating behind the wheel but if this causes you to drive without proper control of the vehicle, you can receive a $236 fine and $108 Victims of Crime Levy.

In fact, the consequence of consuming a hot beverage while driving can sting in more ways than one.

“When a hot drink is spilt, not only will it hurt, but your attention will be more on the pain and mess than on the road itself,” Charles says.

The secret to sipping safely

While it’s unlikely a driver would stop their car every time they want a sip (that wouldn’t be fun or safe), our advice is to enjoy your hot beverages off the road when you can. If your morning caffeine call is stronger than your favourite coffee beans, there are a few ways to get some sips in safely.

Forget flimsy paper cups; the ones that burn your hands before your tongue. Try a spill-proof travel mug with a secure lid; this will also keep your drink hot for longer, and it’s better for the environment.

Sneaking in a sip or two at the lights is generally acceptable but drink with caution.

“Your attention should remain on the road when you’re stopped at traffic lights as they can turn from red to green unexpectedly,” Charles says. 

Final word

So, what happens when you’re feeling particularly parched? Pull over.

“Enjoy your drink somewhere safely off the road and keep your beverage in the cup holder until you’ve reached your destination.”

Coffee, after all, tastes best when it’s sipped slowly.

The post Can coffee cause a crash? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Driving off into the sunset isn’t as liberating as it looks in the movies. In fact, driving when the sun dips below the horizon can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

Did you know people who have perfect vision can still find it hard to see about 100 metres in front of them while driving at night?

We answer five night-time driving questions to keep you and other road users safe as the days get shorter and the sky gets darker.

1. Should I drive slower at night?

Using your headlights on high beam can increase the distance the road ahead is visible but, in some conditions, driving a little slower at night can have even more of an impact, giving you more time to see and respond to situations, including wildlife on the road.

On the flip side, driving too slowly can create a hazard for other road users. If you’re travelling unusually slowly and obstructing traffic, you can be fined $228, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain advises pulling over safely if you can’t see the road or pedestrians and cyclists at night.

“Always drive to the road conditions, especially when it’s raining or dark and you’re having trouble seeing your surroundings,” Charles says.

The Driver’s Handbook states: “Your driving speed at night should be adjusted to the range of your headlights.” In other words, you should be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead.

While it’s permitted to travel at the signposted speed limit at night, slowing slightly when you need can give you more time to react in an emergency.

Young drivers

Young drivers are up to seven times more likely to crash at night than during the day.

There’s a midnight to 5am curfew for P1 licence holders under the age of 25.

Drivers on L-plates must have at least 15 hours of night-time driving experience with a qualified supervising driver.

Source: Department for Infrastructure and Transport

2. Can I drive with my high beam or fog lights on?

At night, your ability to see is limited because eyes rely on reflected light to perceive objects. Your vehicle’s lights can help you see further and be seen by other vehicles, but only when used correctly.

Headlights are required to be on between dusk and dawn and when weather conditions reduce visibility. The use of high beams can significantly increase the distance that the road is illuminated ahead, but must not be used when other traffic is present or in built-up areas with streetlights.

The Australian Road Rules prohibit using high-beam headlights within 200 metres of an oncoming vehicle or one travelling in the same direction. Doing so can lead to a $300 fine, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and one demerit point.

Always dip your high beams when approaching another vehicle or coming up behind another vehicle to avoid dazzling the driver.

“If you’re dazzled by another vehicle’s high beams, slow down,” Charles says. “If you can’t see, stop on the side of the road as soon as it’s safe.”

Tip: focus on the left-hand side of the road rather than looking directly at headlights.

Lastly, forget fog lights on clear nights as they must only be used instead of headlights in low-visibility conditions like fog, dust or heavy rain. You’ll be fined $300, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy for using your fog lights when not permitted.

3. I need to park my car on the road overnight. What’s the rule?

If you leave your car parked on a road at night and it’s not clearly visible from 200 metres under a streetlight, you must switch on your vehicle’s front and rear parking lights, even when you’re not in the vehicle. Failure to do so may lead to a $300 fine, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

4. Any tips for getting my vehicle night-ready?

Ensure all your vehicle’s lights are operational before hitting the road, including the number-plate light. Driving at night or in conditions of low visibility without effective lights, including the number-plate light, may incur a fine of $300 and a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

Driving on worn or damaged tyres is never a good idea at any time of the year, but particularly heading into autumn and winter when wet weather conditions are more prevalent.

Tyres with low tread depth typically mean longer stopping distances. Aim to change your tyres before they get to the legal minimum of 1.5mm.

“Temperatures also fall at night, and so does tyre pressure,” Charles explains. “So, check tyre pressure when tyres are cold, typically in the mornings.”

5. What happens if I encounter wildlife on the road?

You’re more likely to encounter wildlife on regional roads early in the morning and just before sunset. Collisions with kangaroos and wallabies make up 90 per cent of animal road accidents in Australia, according to the RSPCA.

Make sure your lights and horn work before heading off so you’re seen and heard by all road users, including furry ones.

“Sounding your horn is normally enough to have the animal back away from the road,” Charles says. “But never swerve to avoid hitting an animal; instead brake firmly or come to a safe stop on the side of the road.”

Final word

If you find it harder to see clearly at night, it might be time to get your eyes tested.

“Driving at night places additional demands on our eyes so make sure your night vision is as good as possible,” Charles says.

Try dimming your dashboard lights to minimise glare and keep the windscreen clean inside and out to further improve visibility of the road. Most importantly, if you start to feel drowsy while driving, pull over safely and rest.

Everybody wants a fairytale ending of driving safely into the sunset. Just remember, staying safe behind the wheel is the responsibility of all road users, day and night.

The post 5 FAQs about driving in the dark appeared first on samove.com.au.

Car safety technology has come a long way in recent years with the introduction of features designed to not only protect you in a crash but also other road users. But what safety features are must-haves when buying a new car?

Nine in 10 new-car buyers prioritise safety when purchasing a vehicle, according to a recent RAC WA survey.

At the same time, only 68 per cent of respondents said they knew their vehicle’s ANCAP safety rating.

It’s no secret buying a new car can be an overwhelming experience and safety is just one consideration. You’re bombarded with information – some of it helpful and some of it part of the sales pitch.

RAA Principal Advisor Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says purchasing the safest vehicle you can is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

“It’s not just important that your car offers you good protection from injury in a crash,” Peter says. “It’s also important that your car offers good protection to other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorbike riders and other drivers.”

So, what safety technology should you look for when purchasing a car? Strap on your seatbelt, slide on your favourite sunnies and switch on adaptive cruise control as we take a drive along the car safety tech highway.

Active versus passive

Every vehicle manufacturer provides different safety features as standard. These safety systems can be divided into two categories: passive protection or active crash avoidance systems.

Passive protections are used to reduce injury in a crash and include the likes of seatbelts, airbags and structural features such as crumple zones.

On the other hand, active vehicle technologies are designed to help prevent crashes. Active crash avoidance devices include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping systems and even driver-drowsiness detection.

Deciphering car safety systems

When researching a new car, you might encounter terms like active cruise control, head-up display and rear cross-traffic alert. These safety technologies all play a role in keeping vehicle occupants and other road users safe. Here are some of the safety features found in modern vehicles.

Autonomous emergency braking automatically activates the brakes to avoid a crash or reduce the impact if the driver hasn’t taken any action.

Blind-spot monitoring uses sensors to alert the driver (generally using a light on side mirrors or a beeping sound) that there’s another motorist or road user they’re unaware of.

Head-up display projects speed, navigation and warnings on to your windscreen, allowing you to see this essential driving information without taking your eyes off the road.

Lane-keep assist physically corrects the vehicle to keep it in the lane.

Must-have features

You’re looking for a new car and decide on the model you want to park in your driveway, but you’re not sure what safety features are included with the vehicle.

Do you want all the bells and whistles or more minimal safety features?

“Before looking to purchase a car, it’s good to know what safety features you see as a deal-breaker,” Peter says.

In 2025, the State Government released the ‘My First Car Safety Checklist’ to help new drivers buy the safest car they can afford.

The checklist can be used for car buyers purchasing either a new or used car and lists safety essentials you should have in your vehicle, along with recommended safety systems.

“Must-have safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS), blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags,” Peter says.

“Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, reversing cameras, forward collision warning and daytime running lights are among the safety features on the recommended list.”

ANCAP ratings for safety technology

How can a car’s safety technology impact its ANCAP safety rating? Quite a bit. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program – better known as ANCAP – is an independent voice on vehicle safety.

It conducts safety-based tests on vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand and publishes star ratings based on its findings.

Vehicles are evaluated across four key assessment pillars: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash. Safety technologies found in modern cars, including active vehicle technology, are tested.

While vehicles can achieve a maximum of five stars, each of the four key assessment pillars are scored out of 100 points. This means a vehicle can’t score low in one category and receive full marks in another assessment area.

ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg says many people in the community are aware of ANCAP safety ratings.

“Many Australians recognise ANCAP safety ratings and know where to look for them,” Carla says.

“But some don’t, especially when buying a car isn’t something they’re actively thinking about.”

“Our research shows that in many households, vehicle choices are shaped by brand familiarity or guided by the person who takes the lead on car decisions.

“For some buyers, once that choice is made, the remaining decision is a practical one, like colour.”

You can find safety ratings for new cars at ancap.com.au

Buying a safer used car

Not everyone can afford a new car, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be informed about the safety of a vehicle.

Each year, the Monash University Accident Research Centre publishes its Used Car Safety Rating (UCSR) report, rating a range of used vehicles manufactured between 1987 and 2022. They’re given a rating out of five stars – one star for the cars with the poorest safety to five stars for the best.

Three components of vehicle safety performance are tested:

1. How the vehicle protects a driver in a crash.
2. How well the vehicle protects other drivers in a crash.
3. How key crash avoidance technologies reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.

Last year, 25 vehicles received Safer Pick status after receiving five stars for overall safety and driver safety, and a four or five-star rating for other road safety and crash avoidance. Most of these vehicles were manufactured from 2009 onward, showing why newer vehicles have improved safety technology, better design integrity and compliance with safety.

The full UCSR report can be found at mylicence.sa.gov.au

Peter says it’s important that people buy the safest vehicle possible, whether it’s second-hand or new.

“Newer vehicles are generally safer than older ones, with older vehicles over-represented in crashes where someone is killed,” Peter says.

“Spending the time researching the vehicle you’re purchasing and making sure it has modern safety technology and a good ANCAP and Used Car Safety Rating, can help save lives.”

The post Smarter, safer cars appeared first on samove.com.au.