Story: Have a Safe Trip
Episode: 1
Presenter: Christina Morrissy
Air Date: 30 November 2025

Chrissy meets with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure to learn some safe driving trips for inexperienced drivers on country roads ahead of the festive season.

• Unfortunately, in WA, many of our serious crashes involve young novice drivers, especially during the festive season.
• Young drivers should be guided by a trusted mentor so that they can practice skills before they’re out on their own.
• It’s important for drivers to limit distractions, leave a safe distance between the car in front, swap drivers when tired and be aware of the dangers posed by wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn.
• Regional roads are more likely to have wide loads and road trains with some being up to 60 metres long and 5 metres in width. You should check ahead for a long, straight stretch of road and then indicate and move out when safe, maintaining a safe and steady speed when passing. The driver should leave lots of space when moving back into the lane, so they aren’t caught in the driver’s blind spot.
• Drivers with Red Plates are only allowed to have one passenger in the vehicle at any time unless they have an exemption.
• Journeys should be planned carefully as roadhouses in remote areas can be hundreds of kilometres apart, have limited opening hours and poor mobile reception.

For more information, head to:
www.transport.wa.gov.au