NSW’s “Get Your Hand Off It” mobile phone distraction campaign, in operation since June 2013, has already been credited with preventing many accidents. However, some powerful sporting stars have thrown their weight towards the campaign to give it another boost.
Archive year 2014
Secondhand vehicles from overseas – not well received
Recent statistics indicate that the Australian car market is one of the most competitive in the world and is beginning to pick up after a number of slow months.
The Productivity Commission’s final report for its Inquiry into Australia’s Automotive Manufacturing Industry has been released. In the report, the commission said relaxing the restrictions on imported second-hand vehicles into the country would have a number of benefits to consumers including lower prices, improved features and greater choice.
Common sense sought by authorities
For a number of years, some of NSW’s road rules have been behind the rest of Australia. Whether through the inconsistencies of previous governments or other states improving their legislation ahead of NSW, some motorists have found themselves on the wrong side of law simply because they have crossed the border.
From 1 September, however, 15 minor amendments will come into force and there will be greater consistency between all the Australian states and territories. Many of the amendments have been described as common sense as in the past there have been small loopholes in the system.
Interlocks law passes NSW Parliament
All NSW road users should be safer in the future, with the alcohol interlocks law passing the state parliament this month (August 2014).
ACCC takes fuel retail giants to court
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun proceedings in the Federal Court against Coles, Woolworths, BP, Caltex, 7-Eleven and fuel price information service ‘Informed Sources’.
ACCC’s initial investigations focus on the Melbourne fuel market, but could set a precedent across the country in the coming months. It is alleged the fuel price information (updated in 15 minute intervals) supplied to Informed Sources is being used by rival retailers to spike costs.
New ANCAP five star ratings results released
When you decide to purchase a new vehicle, there are a number of considerations to take into account. This includes making sure you have appropriate comprehensive insurance and that you have undertaken a ctp greenslip comparison. Have you thought about safety ratings?
A vehicle is an investment in you and your family’s safety so you should be going out of your way to analyse and compare safety features. If you are looking into buying a new vehicle today, you extremely fortunate that technology advances with every new model.
To take some of the guess work out of purchasing a safe new car, you can investigate findings of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). For over 20 years, the crash test authority has tested over 400 new vehicles to see how they shape up in a head-on accident.
ANCAP awards vehicles a star rating based on their performance with many cars achieving the maximum five stars. The authority has recently announced its latest round of safety ratings with three models receiving the coveted accolade.
Motorists putting safety of others at risk
Road safety is an issue requiring constant focus. From time to time, the NSW government collaborates with the Police to reveal information highlighting what needs to be done to increase the safety of others.
This time this problem is the increasing number of accidents and fatalities involving drivers under the influence of illicit drugs. With the manufacture of drugs like methamphetamine, speed and ecstasy, the problem is becoming more widespread.
Australian car market in a world of its own
It seems that the Australian car market is in a world of its own, compared to the rest of the world.
For a number of years, the national market has been strong and despite the departure of several high-profile manufacturers, the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing.
Animal strike risk during winter months in NSW
Animal strikes can happen at any time on NSW roads. From an accident with a dog or cat in a residential area to a collision with a cow or kangaroo in rural and regional parts of the state.
It is important to remember that any incident involving an animal could have serious consequences for the wildlife itself, but also the wellbeing of the motorist. Depending on the vehicle’s speed, there could also be significant damage to the vehicle as well.
NRMA insurance has found NSW has more than double the amount of animal collisions than any other state. The insurance provider revealed animal strikes were up 12 per cent on 2012, with the animal most likely to be hit being a kangaroo.
Regional NSW infrastructure projects ramp up
New South Wales’s ageing road infrastructure is an issue the state government is aware of and is actively upgrading. However, when it comes to safety, it often needs the assistance of the public to assess what is dangerous and needs to be fixed.
In the latest round of infrastructure upgrades, the government is inviting community members to submit their thoughts on the latest stage of the $48 million Bells Line of Road corridor improvement program.
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