Other safety responsibilities
As a driver, you have a number of other responsibilities to your passengers.
Children in motor vehicles
You must not leave infants or young children on their own in a motor vehicle, even if you are away for a short time. The children may face a number of hazards, such as:
- a fire breaking out,
- difficulty in breathing on a warm day (if all windows are closed), and
- being trapped in electric windows, which could result in serious injury or death.
Animals in motor vehicles
You should never leave animals alone in vehicles. It is cruel and unsafe and can result in injury to the animal and/or damage to your vehicle.
Using a mobile phone
You must not drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike while using a hand-held mobile phone. It is an offence, for which you will receive up to 4 penalty points.
Cyclists should never use a mobile phone when cycling and pedestrians should exercise care when using one.
Personal entertainment systems
As a road user, you should avoid using personal entertainment systems through earphones. These systems, for example personal radios and MP3 players, can distract you, and may prove dangerous when driving or crossing the road. Cyclists in particular should avoid these systems, as they rely on their hearing while on the road.
If you do use a personal or in-car system, play it at a volume that does not distract or prevent you from hearing emergency sirens or car horns.