Driving safety checklist

All drivers should plan and prepare for a safe journey before leaving home, no matter how far you are driving.

The Northern Territory (NT) has vast stretches of variable speed and surfaced roads.

Road conditions can change quickly, particularly in the wet season during October to May.

You will encounter may types of road users travelling at different speeds and under different conditions.

You should follow this checklist to help keep you and others safe on the road.

Before you leave

You should do all of the following:

• check your vehicle is safe and roadworthy
• check road conditions and weather reports
• don't drive tired, plan for road rest stops every two hours.

Vehicle safety check

You should check all of the following:

• lights, wipers and washers are in working order
• fluid levels (water, brake, radiator, battery)
• tyres and spares tyres - inflated as specified
• the vehicle is not overloaded
• your vehicle registration is current and covers you for the entire journey.

Tips to avoid distractions

Turn off your mobile phone, even if it is hands free.

Make adjustments to your radio or CD player before you start driving.

Check on a map where you are going before you leave.

Ensure that your vehicle's windscreens, mirrors and windows are clean and unobstructed.

Ensure pets are correctly restrained by using a secured carry box or a pet seatbelt.

Take a break and pull over rather than eating, drinking, smoking or grooming when you're driving.

Plan activities to keep your children happy and quiet.

Tips when you're on the road

Obey the road rules.

Wear your seatbelt and carry children in approved child car seats.

Drive within the speed limit and your own capability.

Drive to the road and weather conditions.

Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions while driving.

Share the road safely with others including road trains and cyclists.

Take care through school zones and rail crossings.

Expect the unexpected - watch out for pedestrians and animals.

Don't drive in convoys especially if you are towing a caravan.

Reduce your speed on unsealed roads.

Driving tips for visitors to the NT

Visitors should also read the driving in the NT guide PDF (1.5 MB) available in:

• Italian and German PDF (1.5 MB)
• French and Spanish PDF (1.5 MB)
• Japanese and Chinese PDF (1.7 MB)

You should also consider taking out membership of a national motoring body with 24-hour roadside assistance such as the AANT.