Perth may be known for its laid-back lifestyle and scenic drives, but that doesn’t mean its roads are without danger. Every year, thousands of accidents occur on Western Australian roads — many of them due to avoidable driving mistakes. At our Defensive Driving School in Perth, we help drivers recognize these common errors and teach practical techniques to prevent them.
Whether you’re a learner driver or a seasoned motorist, here are the most frequent driving mistakes seen on Perth roads — and how defensive driving can help you avoid them.
- Failing to Indicate Properly
One of the most common mistakes in Perth is failing to use indicators correctly — or not at all. This can cause confusion at roundabouts, intersections, and lane merges, leading to unnecessary near-misses or crashes.
How to Avoid It: Always signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes or turning. Defensive driving reinforces the habit of signaling early and clearly, while anticipating how others might respond.
- Tailgating
Many Perth drivers follow too closely, especially on freeways like the Mitchell or Kwinana. Tailgating reduces your reaction time and significantly increases the chance of a rear-end collision.
How to Avoid It: Maintain a safe following distance — ideally, a 3-second gap in dry conditions and longer in wet weather. In our defensive driving courses, we teach drivers how to judge and adjust this distance safely.
- Speeding or Driving Too Slowly
Speeding is a leading cause of crashes across WA. However, driving significantly below the speed limit can also be dangerous, especially in high-traffic areas.
How to Avoid It: Know the speed limits in your area and adjust for road conditions. Defensive driving teaches how to match your speed appropriately without being influenced by impatient drivers around you.
- Not Adapting to Weather Conditions
Rain can make Perth roads slick and reduce visibility, yet many drivers don’t adjust their driving accordingly. Aquaplaning and skidding are real dangers.
How to Avoid It: Slow down during bad weather, use headlights for visibility, and avoid harsh braking. Our courses include wet-weather driving techniques that can make a real difference when the skies turn grey.
- Distractions Behind the Wheel
Using a mobile phone, adjusting the GPS, or even eating while driving is increasingly common in Perth. These distractions can lead to devastating accidents.
How to Avoid It: Defensive drivers learn to stay focused, manage in-car distractions, and stay alert to their surroundings at all times.
Drive Smarter, Not Just Harder
At our Defensive Driving School in Perth, we believe that the best drivers are proactive, not just reactive. By recognizing and correcting these common mistakes, you not only protect yourself but also everyone else on the road.
Ready to become a more confident, safer driver? Book your Defensive Driving Course in Perth today and learn skills that last a lifetime.