Vehicle safety before and during a journey

Purpose and essential terms

A vehicle’s lights perform different jobs. Headlights illuminate the road; rear lamps show its presence; brighter red brake lamps warn that it is slowing; indicators communicate direction; the rear number-plate lamp makes registration characters visible. A working headlamp does not make the rest of the lighting system optional.

All fitted required lamps must be undamaged, unobscured, securely attached and capable of lighting. Before travelling, inspect lamps and ask for safe assistance to check lights you cannot see from the driving position.

Key idea: A vehicle’s lights perform different jobs.

How to apply the rule

Use headlamps, rear lamps and number-plate lamps at night and when conditions make vehicles and people unclear at 150 metres. Motorcycles need their headlamp lit whenever ridden, including daylight. Use dipped rather than main beam when main beam would dazzle another driver.

Brake lamps emit red light brighter than the rear lamps. The manual specifies daytime visibility at 30 metres for brake lamps and character visibility at 20 metres for the rear number-plate lamp. Keep plates clean, upright, visible and firmly attached. Motorcycles, tricycles and trailers carry a rear plate; other motor vehicles have front and rear plates as prescribed.

Key idea: Do not drive with the lights or plate hidden.

Conditions and easily confused points

Parking lamps alone are not sufficient for a vehicle in motion. Fog lamps have restricted use in fog, mist, snow, dust or smoke. Adjustable spotlights are restricted to specified vehicles and purposes; they are not a normal substitute for approved driving lights.

A number-plate cover that hides characters, or a load covering the lamps, defeats the function even if the fittings themselves are new.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Purpose and essential terms

Restraints reduce the chance that an occupant is thrown against the vehicle interior or out of the vehicle in a collision. Rear-seat occupants also need fitted seat belts; their position behind the front seats does not remove the risk.

A three-point adult belt has a lap section and a diagonal section. The lap portion should sit low across the pelvis and the diagonal section across the shoulder and chest, without twists. Putting the shoulder section under an arm or behind the back defeats its design.

Key idea: Restraints reduce the chance that an occupant is thrown against the vehicle interior or out of the vehicle in a collision.

How to apply the rule

Before moving, check that every occupant has an appropriate seat and restraint. Fasten belts properly and confirm the release mechanisms can be used. Use a child restraint appropriate to the child and follow both its instructions and the vehicle instructions; adult belt geometry does not fit every child.

For motorcycling, use a helmet designed for that purpose, with a suitable fit and the chin strap fastened. A helmet resting loosely on the head can come off when needed. A motorcycle learner may not carry a pillion passenger, even if the passenger has a helmet.

Key idea: Keep the vehicle stationary.

Conditions and easily confused points

The 2012 manual’s child-age definitions are historical and must not be treated as a complete current child-restraint rule. In particular, an old source does not establish that a child below its listed age can travel unrestrained. Current requirements and correct fitting need separate confirmation.

Good restraints do not compensate for poor observation, excessive speed or a damaged windscreen. Occupant protection and collision avoidance work together.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Purpose and essential terms

A roadworthy vehicle is fit for use and meets the applicable requirements. Tyres, lights, steering, brakes, visibility and secure equipment all matter. A recently renewed licence disc does not prove that a new defect is safe.

Check the vehicle before use and pay attention to changes during the journey. Unsafe fuel equipment, uninsulated wiring, a loose battery, dangerous exhaust leakage or excessive smoke need qualified attention. A vehicle designed for or capable of at least 60 km/h needs a working speedometer.

Key idea: A roadworthy vehicle is fit for use and meets the applicable requirements.

How to apply the rule

If a breakdown forces you to stop, choose the safest available position, protect occupants and obtain assistance. Use hazard warnings as appropriate. Where an emergency triangle is required, it goes at least 45 metres towards the approaching traffic, with its reflective face towards that traffic. The manual specifies lateral placement in line with the vehicle’s transverse centre.

Only place a warning if you can do so without exposing yourself to traffic. The reference triangle-carrying requirement applies to the specified heavy vehicles, goods vehicles, minibuses and buses, with stated exclusions. Do not interpret a general picture as proof that every vehicle class has identical equipment obligations.

Key idea: Protect people and alert assistance.

Conditions and easily confused points

A triangle is a breakdown warning, not a device to place behind every traffic-light queue. The manual excludes situations such as obeying traffic controls, stopped traffic with the driver at the wheel, and certain authorised loading or official functions.

Fixing one obvious defect does not establish complete roadworthiness. A nonworking speedometer and a fuel leak are different defects and both require attention.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Quick recap

• Do not drive with the lights or plate hidden.
• Reposition and secure the load so visibility and identification are restored.
• Recheck the complete lighting system and load security before leaving.
• Keep the vehicle stationary.
• Ask them to fasten the belt correctly and check that everyone is secured.
• Begin the journey only after the occupants are appropriately restrained.