Drivers

Overview

We encourage safe driving habits to help reduce the number and severity of crashes on our roads.

Speed

Speed is the biggest behavioural factor in death and injuries on NSW roads. Travelling at lower speeds improves a driver's ability to stop and avoid crashes, especially in areas of high pedestrian activity.

The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop. Even a small reduction in vehicle speed can make a large difference to the danger of serious injury.

40 km/h zones

The 40 km/h urban limit is a strategy to improve safety in high pedestrian traffic areas. The Chatswood CBD and Artarmon Local Centre are High Pedestrian Activity Areas and have 40 km/h speed limits.

Watch out for other 40 km/h zones around schools, road works as well as local traffic zones and areas (fines apply).

40km/h speed zone signs

Mobile speed cameras

Speed cameras are enforcement tools that make drivers slow down and help reduce speed related casualties on our roads.

Learn more about the location of mobile speed cameras within the Willoughby area.

 

Sharing the road

Look twice for motorbikes

The SMIDSY crash is one of the most common crashes affecting motorcycle riders in urban areas. This kind of crash is also sometimes called a ‘Looked but failed to see’ crash. The SMIDSY acronym – ‘Sorry mate, I didn’t see you’ – refers to the words uttered by a driver when they have pulled out in front of another road user, resulting in a crash. In most cases the driver will have ‘looked’ but did not ‘see’ the other road user.

Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to SMIDSY crashes on our urban roads.

It is true there are ways that motorbike riders help can make themselves safer on the road.

But as drivers we all share a responsibility to keep all road users safe.

Be aware of the SMIDSY crash and always look twice for bikes, and protect motorcycle riders who are amongst the most vulnerable of all road users.

Here are some tips for drivers to better share the road with motorcyclists:

  • Scan the road – remember to scan the road environment and watch for motorcycles, especially when you approach an intersection.
  • Blind spots - Cars have blind spots that can be large enough to obscure your view. Look over your shoulder before you make a move of any kind.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots - Check your mirrors and blind spots often, and give motorcycles room in traffic.
  • Parked cars - When you're getting out of a parked car, check for motorcycles before you open the door.
  • Check - When you're pulling out from the kerb, look especially for motorcycles. They have a narrower profile than cars and can be hard to spot.
  • Give motorcycles space - They may have to avoid an obstacle that wouldn't matter to you, but could be a serious problem for them.

Supervising learner drivers

In partnership with an experienced facilitator, we host a free workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers.

"Helping learner drivers become safer drivers" is designed to increase your knowledge and confidence as the supervisor of a learner driver, and covers:

  • what is involved in being a supervising driver
  • the issues facing young drivers
  • how the NSW graduated licensing scheme works
  • the importance of learner driver experience
  • lesson planning and dealing with stress
  • tips for safe solo driving 

Next workshop

Our next FREE online workshop will be held on 30 March 2023, 6:30 - 8pm. Registrations are currently open.

Register Now

Please email enquiries to road.safety@willoughby.nsw.gov.au