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Before you get your P-Plates it's a good idea to practice driving in the country
with your qualified supervising driver. Driving in the country is different from
driving in the city and suburbs,
it needs an entirely different approach. Country driving may appear easier;
there are fewer traffic lights
turns and cars on the road, but this can cause people to become less aware
and alert. Don't fall into this trap. For this reason
country driving is much more dangerous. You're driving in higher speeds, then you need to
concentrate a lot more. What differences do you find driving in the country from
driving in the suburbs? "When you drive in the country you're driving at higher speeds and also
overtaking." "Driving the country can be more dangerous because the roads are
unsealed and there can be more hazards."
"When driving in the country you have to look out for animals because they may jump out in front of you."
You'll need to deal with driving at higher speeds
cars overtaking you, possibility of animals venturing onto the road
various weather conditions, dazzling headlights, the remains of tyre blowouts
and potentially unfamiliar or dirt roads. How do you feel about driving at high
speeds on country roads? "To become more comfortable at driving at higher speeds
I practice when mum's in the car." "I feel a bit uncomfortable about driving at high
speeds because it's easier to lose control of the car."
"Because I've only just started driving I'm kind of nervous at driving at high speeds
but I reckon with practice I'll be alright." Where the speed limits permit
start by driving at 80 kph, then after some time start to increase your speed to 85,
to 90, to 95
to 100kph, the maximum speed that
a Learner can travel at.
If possible do this in multi-lane highways. Be aware of the speed limit as you drive
through townships.
Generally you'll need to lower your speed to 80, then 60 or 50 kph.
You can get used to traveling at high speed so watch your speedo as you enter
these towns.
So here are some tips for
driving in the country. The last thing you need to do is get stressed.
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination
and allow extra time to for possible delays. Be seen. It's a good idea when you're driving in
the country during the day to drive with your headlights on low beam.
It makes you more visible to other vehicles. Occasionally check your side mirrors to
make sure you're in the correct position on the road,
fractionally left of the centre of your side of the road. This will increase
the passing distance, called 'the buffer zone' between your vehicle and oncoming
cars. When you're on a long trip generally you should take a break every
two hours.
Fatigue is a common cause of serious crashes. Use designated rest stops.
Most of the busy single lane roads in South Australia
have overtaking lanes at regular intervals. These are the safest places to
overtake
so sit well back from the slower vehicle relax and wait for these overtaking lanes
to appear. On long journeys people can tend to switch off.
This can be a fatal mistake. If you're distracted or you lose concentration
then your car wanders off the road, your natural reaction is to jerk the steering wheel in the
opposite direction. If your wheels leave the bitumen ease off the accelerator and
don't brake harshly.
Hold the steering wheel firm with both hands and ease the wheels back onto the road.
There's no time like the present to take on all this advice and become more
confident driving in the country.