Small misjudgments, distractions and lapses in concentration can lead to serious collisions. The statistics are shocking. Last year there were 62 fatalities on Perth metropolitan roads and 93 across regional WA. As a result, safe driving is more and more important.
This report from Triple M goes on to reveal the 10 worst roads and streets in Perth.
Albany Highway, Cannington
Great Eastern Highway, Midland
Garden City, Booragoon
Ranford Road, Canning Vale
Joondalup Drive, Joondalup
Nicholson Road, Canning Vale
Kwinana Freeway, South Perth
Mitchell Freeway, Perth
Canning Highway, Applecross
Wanneroo Road, Wanneroo
Furthermore, The Midlands Great Eastern Highway is top of the list for crashes with Tuesdays being the most dangerous day of the week to be driving on this road.
Most of the time collisions are attributed to the fact that it is a key route to the CBD and has multiple entrances to busy shopping centres. Roadworks add to the risk of collisions.
How Can You Best Protect Yourself and Your Family on the Roads?
Our tips for safe driving in any one of these hotspots are:
Stop Using Your Mobile Phone When Driving
It is widely recognised these days that using a mobile phone when driving is incredibly dangerous on the road. Why is it dangerous, you ask? You are not only facing a heavy penalty, but you are putting your life and other people at risk.
Slow Down and Pay Attention
Pay attention to how you can safely navigate surrounding traffic. Watch out for the cars switching lanes with little warning. Match your speed with the flow of the traffic to avoid rear-end collisions.
Watch Out for Vehicles Entering and Exiting on the Left and Right-hand Sides of Traffic
It may come as a surprise that too many people stare ahead when driving. They do not turn their heads to monitor road conditions. Simply ensure that you are aware of changing traffic conditions and that you are in the correct lane ahead of time.
Be Aware of Cars Suddenly Stopping
Accidents happen in split seconds and lack of attention can result in a horrific accident. The flow of traffic can suddenly come to a halt and you may end up paying for both rear-end and front-end expensive repairs.
Manage the Weather
Weather conditions can change rapidly, for example, roads can flood quickly or become very slippery after a long dry spell. The second the weather breaks and Perth gets rain, the traffic slows to a crawl. Smoke resulting from fires can reduce visibility too.
Avoid Distractions Which May Interrupt Your Concentration
The only driver on the road over whom you have control is yourself. Apart from using your cell phone, some of the most common mistakes are:
Turning around to talk to your friends and family in the rear seat
Engaging in heated arguments with passengers
Reading a book or a map
Looking away from the road to fiddle with music controls
Putting on makeup or using an electric shaver
Eating and drinking as well as smoking cigarettes
Sightseeing and turning your head away from the road
Take your hands off the wheel when you are excited, angry or upset
Do Not Drive When Tired or Under the Influence of Alcohol
Watch out for warning signs of tiredness and use rest areas to help you manage your fatigue.
It goes without saying you should never drink and drive. Drivers must be extra vigilant to ensure they are following the changing road conditions as there is no room for complacency. The roads are more crowded at holiday times so make sure you remember these tips for safe driving and a happy journey.
If you’ve had an accident on the Perth roads get in touch with Gino’s Panel and Paint today. Based in South Fremantle, Gino’s has been delivering outstanding customer service and excellence in every aspect of the automotive accident repair industry since 1973 and is committed to getting you back on the road faster.