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Collisions involving vehicles exiting side streets are a primary cause of intersection and T-bone accidents. These crashes typically occur due to obstructed lines of sight, misjudged traffic gaps, or failure to yield the right-of-way. Navigating these intersections safely requires active hazard perception and defensive driving strategies. The Mechanics of the Crash Exiting a side street inherently requires crossing or merging into active streams of traffic. Collisions usually happen when a driver pulls out into the path of an oncoming vehicle that has the right-of-way. Common contributing factors include: Visual Obstructions: Parked cars, overgrown foliage, or street infrastructure frequently blind drivers attempting to check for oncoming traffic. Misjudgment of Speed: Drivers exiting side streets often miscalculate the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, pulling out when there is an insufficient gap. Distraction and Fatigue: A lack of full attention at critical junction points leads to missed signage or failure to observe the flow of traffic. Preventive Measures To reduce the risk of collisions when exiting a side street, drivers must employ strict defensive driving habits. Come to a Complete Stop: Do not rely merely on rolling stops. Stopping completely allows you to properly assess the road conditions. Creep and Peek: If your view is blocked, slowly edge your vehicle forward until you have a clear line of sight in both directions. Wait for Safe Gaps: Only proceed when you are certain there is enough time and distance for you to safely enter the traffic flow. Car accident not your fault? Contact TP Claims | online or call now 0407 294 580 | No-Win No-Fee  

In Australia, an “unprotected turn” occurs when a driver turns right at an intersection without a dedicated green arrow. Motorists must enter the intersection, yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and wait for a safe gap in the flow to complete the right turn. This manoeuvre is a leading cause of intersection crashes across the country. Because the driver must look through moving traffic, misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles is common. Furthermore, if the traffic light turns yellow or red and the intersection is cleared, the driver is legally required to safely finish the turn, which can heighten the risk of a collision if a vehicle speeds through the junction. If a driver’s view is obscured, or if it is too difficult to find a safe gap, an alternative route such is strongly recommended. Car accident not your fault? Contact TP Claims for a no obligation enquiry. Online or call / WhatsApp: 0407 294 580.  

When an automated driving collision occurs in Australia, fault currently depends heavily on the level of vehicle autonomy. For partially automated vehicles, the human driver is generally held responsible. Operators are legally required to supervise the road and intervene. If an accident happens because a driver failed to take control, they are at fault.   However, the legal landscape is shifting toward strict corporate liability for highly automated vehicles. The Australian government is implementing the Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL), which mandates that a legal entity—the Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE)—take responsibility for the vehicle when the automated system is engaged.   Under these advancing laws, if a collision results from a system malfunction, sensor failure, or bad software programming rather than human error, the manufacturer or ADSE may be deemed at fault. In these cases, injured parties could pursue compensation through product liability claims or the Australian Consumer Law.   Because state-based negligence and insurance laws and authorities treat human drivers differently than corporate entities, establishing exactly who made the critical driving decision—the person or the AI—remains crucial for determining liability. Car Accident Not Your Fault? Contact TP Claims. We can help.

Keep Clear road markings play a vital role in maintaining traffic flow and safety across Australia. In New South Wales and Victoria, blocking these zones is illegal and strictly enforced. The rule is straightforward. You must not enter a Keep Clear area unless there is a clear space for your vehicle on the other side. Waiting for traffic to move while stranded inside the yellow or white lines is a traffic violation. These zones are strategically painted outside intersections, emergency services stations, and commercial driveways to prevent gridlock and ensure emergency vehicles can exit without delay. Penalties for non-compliance are costly. In New South Wales, drivers caught stopping in a Keep Clear zone face hefty fines and demerit points. Similarly, Victorian authorities issue strict infringements to motorists who obstruct these marked areas. Compliance requires active anticipation. Do not simply follow the car ahead. Instead, wait behind the Keep Clear markings until the vehicle in front has advanced far enough to accommodate your entire car. Staying alert and patient keeps the roads moving, ensures emergency access, and protects your wallet from preventable fines. Car accident not your fault? Reach out to TP Claims online or call now – we can help. No win no fee.

Navigating roundabouts can feel like a coordinated dance, but the choreography relies heavily on one tool: your indicators. Clear signalling isn’t just a courtesy; it is a critical safety requirement that ensures traffic flows predictably and reduces the risk of side-swipe collisions. Entering the Roundabout Your signalling intentions depend on your desired exit: Turning Left (First Exit): You must signal as you approach the roundabout and maintain the signal until you have exited. Turning Right (Third Exit or U-turn): Signal on approach. This alerts drivers behind and opposite you that you intend to cross the path of oncoming traffic. Going Straight Ahead: You do not need to signal on approach. Maintaining a neutral signal prevents confusion for those waiting to enter at the first exit. Exiting the Roundabout The most overlooked rule is the exit signal. Regardless of which direction you travelled, you should signal as you pass the exit immediately before your intended one. This “signals out” your intent to leave the lane, allowing waiting drivers to enter the roundabout sooner and improving overall traffic efficiency. By consistently signalling both in and out, you eliminate guesswork for other motorists, making the road safer for everyone. Remember: Signal in to show direction, signal out to show intent. Car accident not your fault? We can help. Contact TP Claims on line or call now.

Reversing Road Rules and Liability in NSW and Victoria In both New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, reversing is treated as a high-risk manoeuvre under the Australian Road Rules, which are largely uniform across states. The key principle is that a driver must not reverse unless it is safe to do so, and must give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians while reversing. In NSW and Victoria, drivers are required to have a clear view of the road and traffic conditions before reversing. This includes checking mirrors, blind spots, and ensuring pedestrians are not put at risk. Reversing for long distances or into traffic is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. If a driver cannot see clearly, they should not reverse. When a collision occurs involving a reversing vehicle, liability most often falls on the reversing driver. This is because the law places a higher duty of care on the person performing the reversing action. Courts and insurers generally view reversing as an unusual movement that interrupts the normal flow of traffic. However, liability is not always automatic. If another driver is speeding, fails to take reasonable evasive action, or is driving negligently, responsibility may be shared. Each case depends on the specific facts, evidence, and level of care exercised by both parties. Car Accident Not Your Fault? Contact TP Claims – we can help – No Win No Fee.