Road_to_Solo_driving_handbook (2)

Shared zones
A pedestrian struck by a vehicle
travelling at 40 km/h or more is unlikely
to survive. Shared zones have been
created to protect pedestrians.
Shared zone sign
Shared zones have a
speed limit of 10 km/h
or as indicated on the
Shared zone sign. In a
shared zone, drivers must
give way to pedestrians.
Safe speeds for different needs
Speed limit signs tell you the maximum
speed at which you can travel. You have
to decide on a safe speed under the
specified limit.
Here are some factors you should
consider.
Light or heavy traffic
If there is a lot of traffic, slow down
to the average speed of everyone else
and watch out for hazards. Pedestrians
often weave through cars stuck in
peak hour.
Shops, parked cars and people
Where there are shops, there are
people and cars. Electronic variable
signs at selected strip shopping centres
indicate reduced speed limits at high
risk times. Be alert. Pedestrians can
step out from between parked cars,
and parked cars can pull out from the
kerb suddenly. Slow down and try to
anticipate what others may do.
Green lights can change to red
A green light may turn amber or red
before you enter an intersection, so
drive at a speed that will allow you to
stop safely.
The time of the day
It can be difficult to see the road
ahead when you are driving into bright
sunlight at dawn or dusk. You will need
to slow down.
Wear sunglasses and use the sun visor
in your car. You need to slow right down,
or in some cases, pull over off the road
and wait for the conditions to improve.
Weather conditions
Driving in heavy rain, frost or snow can
be very dangerous – it may be difficult
to see and roads may be slippery. You
need to slow right down, or in some
cases, pull over off the road and wait
for the conditions to improve. You may
need to use hazard warning lights or
rear fog lights while parked (see Driving
in dangerous conditions or situations on
page 129).
Rules and responsibilities
81