Safety of new car manufacturers

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Chery J1 ANCAP Crash Test

Chery J1 ANCAP Crash Test

Given recent crash test results from ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program), some car buyers might be wary about purchasing vehicle brands being introduced into Australia for the first time.

Recent results include 2 stars (out of 5 maximum) for the Chery J11 and Mahindra Pik-Up and in 2010, 2 stars for the Great Wall utes.  The Geely MK and Chery J1, both small cars, scored 3 stars compared to most small cars tested by ANCAP which are scoring 4 or increasingly, 5 stars.  According to ANCAP, you are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a 1-star vehicle than a 5-star vehicle in the same crash.

However, we need to remember that we still have the Proton Jumbuck and Mitsubishi Express on sale in Australia scoring 1 star and these companies have been represented in the Australian market for many years.  There are also several ute models from long-established manufacturers that score 3 stars.  It’s also worth noting that the Great Wall wagon scores 4 stars.

So there is not a strong basis for avoiding the purchase of vehicles from brands recently introduced into the Australian market.

NRMA’s advice is to check the ANCAP crash ratings of any new vehicle you are considering buying.  We recommend 4 stars as a minimum and preferably 5.  If you are considering a second-hand car, NRMA also provides ratings based on police reports of crashes - again we recommend purchasing a vehicle from the best category.

Would you buy a car from a new car manufacturer?

Christmas holiday driving

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family and car

What tips do you have for Christmas holiday driving?

If you’re one of the gazillion Aussie families that pack the car and set off for summer holidays once Christmas festivities are over, then you may appreciate these tips for stress-free holiday preparations.

Divide and conquer
Kids need to let off steam before being expected to sit quietly in a car for hours. One great trick we tried recently on the morning of our departure was to get one parent to take the kids to the local park, while the other concentrated on packing the car. The idea was that you run them ragged so they’ll have a nice long sleep on the journey. This tactic was so successful that we got uninterrupted, civilized conversation from Sydney to Newcastle.

What to pack

  • Toys and activities are critical
    However, it’s important not to release them all at once. You need to stagger them to sustain interest and get maximum mileage
  • Drinks and snacks are another essential.
    That is, of course, unless you fancy unbuckling the kids to go into a crowded fast food place every time someone gets peckish.
  • Entertainment – for young and old
    One thing I learned the hard way is that the All Time Favourite Nursery Rhymes CD can send grown-ups bonkers in a matter of minutes! Instead, try borrowing some audio books from your local library. Old classics like Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory might appeal to all ages.

Are we there yet?
It’s not only Homer and Marg that get this question. So you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve. We’ve already discovered that I Spy can be difficult in remote areas, so perhaps you could try an Alphabet game, such as running through all the foods you can think of that start with A, B, C etc. It can be quite interesting to see what creative youngsters come up with!

What tips do you have for making your Christmas holiday drive less stressful? 

Safe driving this Christmas

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car driving on road

Drive safely this holiday season

This time of year is always one of the most high risk times on our roads, with Christmas parties, end of year celebrations and people taking to the highways as they head off for a well-deserved break.

In NSW drink driving is a factor in around one in every five fatal crashes. This statistic astounds me when you consider just how much information is out there on the dangers of drink driving.

Drink Driving
The message is plain and simple, having any amount of alcohol when driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash. You don’t have to be drunk to have been affected by alcohol, which is why if you are planning on driving, the best advice is to not drink at all.

If you are hosting a party this Christmas and new year here are some things you can do to look after your guests so they get home safely:

  • Make sure you provide plenty of food, soft drinks and water
  • Offer to let your guests stay over and
  • Don’t let guests drive home if they have been drinking.

Driver Fatigue
Tiredness is another major killer on our roads. At this time of year many people are driving long distances on unfamiliar roads and often people leave for their holiday in the early hours of the morning to avoid traffic – it means they are driving when their body is programmed to sleep.

The statistics show if you drive between 10pm and dawn you’re four times more likely to have a fatal, fatigue-related crash.

Some tips:

  • Plan ahead
  • Take regular breaks (see NSW Driver Reviver locations)
  • Share the driving
  • Don’t start a long trip after a long day’s work and never drive when you would normally be asleep. Fighting tiredness won’t work – the only cure is sleep.

Wear your seatbelt
It’s remarkable how many people still don’t wear their seatbelts. Many fatalities could have been prevented if only the driver and passengers were wearing their seatbelts. Often it’s not just you that needs to buckle up, so make sure your kids are properly secured in a child restraint.

Roadwork speed limits
If you’re driving along the Pacific Highway, remember roadwork speed limits still apply although works have stopped for the Christmas break. While there may be some inconvenience during this time, the NRMA is pleased that the Government is getting on with the project to deliver the Highway by 2016.

Travelling on country roads
For those of you travelling on country roads, keep in mind that the road conditions are not like local areas. Be extremely careful of:

  • Potholes and rough surfaces
  • Soft or broken road edges
  • Single lane bridges or road surfaces that change without notice
  • Livestock and wildlife  - they often cross country roads, particularly just near sunrise or sunset which is why it is crucial that you drive to the conditions.

Petrol Prices
The NRMA will be working over the Christmas period to monitor petrol prices and there will be no justification for any sudden Christmas price hike.

Please remember, each and everyone of us are responsible for keeping our roads safe this Christmas.

Have a safe and merry Christmas.

Wendy Machin’s Christmas Message

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Wendy Machin, President of NRMA Motoring & Services

Is it just me or are the years going faster?  This Christmas seemed to arrive about three weeks after the last one! I saw my first Santa Claus on the streets in early November!

I guess that shows what a busy year it has been for everyone.  For the NRMA Board a State election and then our own Board elections has meant a busy time for the Directors.  I was pleased to see that many of the issues we advocated for in our “Seeing Red on Roads” state election campaign were picked up and implemented by the new Government.  And I was delighted to see all nine Directors resoundingly returned to serve on the Board in our own elections – the first time this has happened since demutualisation.

For the Group, the financial results last year were very good, with continuing growth in the number of Members joining us and yet another Award for Service Excellence for our brilliant Roadside Assistance service.

On behalf of the Board I want to thank our Members for your continued loyalty and wish all of you a happy and safe Christmas break.

Best wishes

Wendy Machin

President

Zebra Crossing etiquette – should you wave?

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Zebra crossing

Zebra Crossing etiquette - should you be thanked for stopping?

You might think that traversing a zebra crossing is fairly straightforward. As a pedestrian you cross the road when you’re ready and as a driver you stop if you see a pedestrian stepping onto a crossing and give way to them.

Rule 81 of Road Rules 2008 states that a driver must give way to any pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing. And that a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.

The rules are pretty straightforward, but zebra crossing etiquette is not.  For example:

  • Should a pedestrian thank a driver who has stopped at the crossing even though the driver is just following the road rules?
  • If a driver does not see a pedestrian at a crossing (if a tree is for example is obscuring them) and has to stop suddenly, should they provide an apologetic wave to the pedestrian?
  • If its peak hour, people are rushing to get home and emotional temperatures are rising, you can appreciate the patience of a driver who stops at the crossing. Is a courtesy wave from the pedestrian appropriate in this instance?
  • What if a pedestrian is on their mobile phone and completely ignores the driver who stopped for them. Should they be expected to thank the driver?

It’s a grey area. What are your thoughts?

As a driver do you think pedestrians should thank you for stopping?