Tasmania · Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook · chapter 3 · 7 min read

General Safety & Keeping Left

3. General safety Keeping a safe distance

Driving too closely to a vehicle in front of you is dangerous. This is sometimes called tailgating. You must keep enough distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of you to safely avoid a crash. 3 seconds

Safe following distances are different depending on the conditions, the type of vehicle, and the speed at which the vehicles are travelling. It is recommended that, when following a vehicle you should travel 3 seconds behind the vehicle to provide enough time to avoid a crash if something suddenly happens ahead.

Seatbelts Wearing your seatbelt is the best way to reduce serious injury in a crash. You and your passengers must wear your seatbelts when in a vehicle that is moving or is stationary, but not parked. As a driver, you are responsible at all times for making sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt, particularly children. Make sure to do this before you turn on the vehicle and start driving. Remember:

• seatbelts must be securely fastened for them to work properly
• never put more than one person in a seatbelt, only one person should occupy a seat
• a seatbelt that was used in a severe crash must be replaced. There are some circumstances where your medical practitioner may grant an exemption for wearing a seatbelt. Please visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/exemptions/seatbelt_exemptions for more information.

Children and seatbelts Because of their small size, children are highly vulnerable to serious injury if they are not properly restrained in a vehicle. The requirements for how to make your child safe in the car depends on their age, size and height. As children grow, their restraint and safety needs change. You are required by law to ensure that: