Do you know the rules for passing stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights? Or who gives way first at different types of intersections? How about who gives way at a roundabout? Or how far you can travel in a bus lane in your vehicle if you’re turning? Are you confident you know all the rules related to mobile phones?

Road Rules Awareness Week – 21-27 August – is the perfect time to clarify the answers to these and other road rule questions. The initiative aims to improve the community’s knowledge of the road rules including some of the most commonly misunderstood rules.

Last year nearly 300 people lost their lives in crashes on NSW roads. Human error is a large factor in crashes so it’s important that all road users know and understand the rules, obey the signs, and remain vigilant when on the road.

Many drivers are unclear about road rules relating to mobile phones. Learner and provisional licence holders aren't permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This applies regardless of whether the phone is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or used hands-free (using bluetooth).

Full licence holders may use a mobile phone only with a cradle/bluetooth fitted in their vehicle. If the phone is secured in a cradle, a full licence holder can touch the phone only to make or receive a phone call, for audio playing functions or for using a driver’s aid (such as navigation). The cradle (also known as a mounting) must be fixed to the vehicle in a manner intended by the manufacturer and must not obscure the driver’s view of the road (in front and to each side).

Finally, if you need to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so as long as your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive-thru.

The NSW Centre for Road Safety have identified the top 10 misunderstood road rules. They have animations available to help clarify some common misunderstandings about road rules. They give simple answers to many road rule questions, including how to use roundabouts, when you can and can't use high-beam and fog lights, and when you're allowed to make a U-turn.

The top 10 misunderstood road rules relate to:

• Roundabouts
• Giving way to pedestrians when turning
• Mobile phones and driving
• Merging
• Keeping left
• Using headlights and fog lights
• U-turns
• Safe following distances
• School zones
• Yellow traffic lights

To understand these road rules, collect a booklet from Narrandera Shire Council customer service or visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/roadrules

The road is there to share and road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re in a car or truck, on a motorcycle or bike, or a pedestrian, you can help keep yourself and others safe.

Knowing the road rules is one of the best ways we can look out for each other on our roads.

Put your knowledge to the test with the road rules quiz online at towardszero.nsw.gov.au/quiz/10