Road Rules and Safe Driving (ACT)
Core Road Rules for Heavy Vehicles
Heavy vehicle drivers must obey all general road rules, but additional rules apply due to vehicle size and weight. Key rules include: giving way at intersections, obeying traffic lights and signs, and adhering to speed limits. Heavy vehicles are subject to lower speed limits in some areas, such as 100 km/h on highways unless otherwise signed. Following distances are critical: maintain at least a 4-second gap in good conditions, and increase to 6 seconds in rain or poor visibility. Overtaking must be done safely, ensuring sufficient clear road ahead.
Traps in Questions
A frequent trap is the rule for roundabouts: heavy vehicles must indicate left when exiting, and use the correct lane. Another trap is the requirement to stop at railway crossings: heavy vehicles must stop unless there is a gate or boom barrier, or a police officer directs otherwise. Also, be aware of load restrictions on certain roads and bridges; ignoring signs can lead to fines. Questions may test knowledge of school zone speeds (40 km/h) and the need to check blind spots before manoeuvres.
Worked Example
If a heavy vehicle is travelling at 90 km/h, the safe following distance in good conditions is at least 4 seconds. At 90 km/h, the vehicle travels 25 metres per second, so 4 seconds equals 100 metres. A rule of thumb: double the speed in km/h to get the minimum gap in metres (e.g., 90 km/h → 180 m? No, that's for 2-second rule; for 4-second, multiply by 4 and divide by 3.6). Actually, a simpler rule: at 100 km/h, 4 seconds is about 111 metres. Always err on the side of caution.