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.

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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.

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.

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.

Chances are those legends in the yellow van are already on their way but, until then, do you have a moral responsibility to stop and help a motorist broken down on the side of the road?

According to RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, stopping to help is courteous but comes with a safety warning.

“When you’ve broken down, it can be a lonely, desolate experience as you watch others driving past and, of course, it can be highly dangerous,” Charles says.

How to help safely

You’re driving along Marion Road and see a vehicle with its hazard lights on and the bonnet up. You want to stop to see if you can help. Here’s how to assist safely.

1. Slow down and, if it’s safe, park in a place that’s out of the path of traffic and put on your hazard lights.
2. Check it’s safe to leave the vehicle. If you’re by yourself, lock your car when you get out. If you have passengers, get them to lock the doors for their own safety.
3. Never stand between the broken-down vehicle and passing or oncoming traffic.
4. Always face oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
5. If the vehicle breakdown appears staged, stop away from the scene and report it to police.

Final word

Whether you’re a good Samaritan on the streets or drive past without stopping, the choice to render assistance is entirely yours. That said, stopping to check on someone’s welfare or simply making sure roadside assistance is on the way can be particularly helpful for someone who genuinely needs help.

“If you’ve been in that situation, especially in remote areas, and someone has stopped to check on your welfare or render assistance, it restores your faith in human nature,” Charles says.

“But more importantly, stopping could be the difference between life and death.”

The post POLL: Do you stop to help a fellow motorist? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Most drivers aren’t bothered by car park space invaders, according to a 2025 sa move poll.

We asked you, our readers, how you react when other drivers park right next to your car, even though plenty of other spaces are available.

The results are in, with a whopping 6255 responses to the poll.

The results

What you said

Many people mentioned the fear of having their car dented or scratched by careless drivers or passengers.

One motorist said: “My car has been dinged three times by the vehicle next to mine and none of the people left a note.”

Other sa move readers explained that access becomes difficult when another vehicle is too close.

“Today’s larger cars make it harder to fully open the door, so at my age it’s not as easy getting in and out,” a motorist said.

Many readers said their reaction depended on how well the neighbouring car was parked.

A motorist said: “As long as they’ve parked properly and they’re not too close, then it doesn’t worry me.”

Two other drivers summed up the majority of responses, saying “It’s a minor issue in life” and “Life’s too short to stress over small things”.

What we’ve learnt

Let’s face it. We all come across some pretty ordinary parkers when we’re out and about. But, as RAA’s Senior Manager of Road Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain, says, the only thing we can do as drivers is to set a good example by parking in the middle of the bay, parallel with the lines, and hopefully others will follow.

“Just as we can’t choose our neighbours, we can’t control whether someone parks next to us,” Charles says.

“But provided careless drivers don’t damage our cars, and we can get in and out of our cars, perhaps life is too short to stress about such things.”

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