Australian drivers are being told to be more careful with their use of indicators, as authorities say not signaling left before a left turn is a $392 fine, signifying a signal left turn and a left turn is them align to a signal. The offence also carries two to demerit points, more than a trivial error on busy roads.
Why Signals Are Important
No one wants to kill a cyclist, pedestrian, or hit any other road users. It should be rule even on peaceful streets, as an unexpected turn can be dangerous to a cyclist or a pedestrian.
The rule applies to all regions of Australia
The rule is the same for all of Australia states and territories, guided under the Australian Road Rules. Drivers must signal their indicators for a minimum of 5 seconds while parked, and while turning, changing lanes, or entering a roundabout, no matter the traffic conditions.
Blocked Drivers:
The Urban Rule recognizes not signaling at roundabouts and left turns as left turns the most common driving error. Drivers ignoring signaling, “guess driving,” puts everyone in danger. Enforcement stretchers, both camera and powered, have focused more and more on signaling actions – and lack thereof.
Expert Road Safety Advice
Most driving instructors suggest that indicators should ‘always’ be used, and treated in this case, as second nature. Signifying should be done well before the wheel begins to move and only after all vehicles and pedestrians have been considered. Instructors will argue the mistake of not signalling is distant, and would never happen, yet would end in rear-end collisions or lateral impacts.
Enforcement and Community Response
Police in all states are continuing to carry out regular enforcement campaigns to address the issues of signaling violations. Road safety defenders argue that such rules are lifesaving and it is irrational that some drivers complain about the insulting fines. Authority on road safety have left the fines in place as both a reminder, as well as a means of preventative measures, in order to reinforce a joint head of responsibility for the road.
A Reminder to All Drivers
Significant shifts in the increasing numbers of vehicles, particularly in the metro part of the country, have brought forward the demand to keep signaling more than other driving actions. Although the $392 dollar fine was severe, the officials said, it cost nothing to signal and the cost in safety, fines and demerits could be so much greater.