One thing to be mindful of when answering the questions is to avoid doing so in an accusatory tone or such that you are laying blame on others or the Police. The host of your traffic offenders program will be writing a report on you and sending it to the magistrate, so you need to position yourself in the best possible light, and show remorse for the crime you committed. The host of the program I attended gave an example of a participant who wrote something which had an adverse effect on the sentence given to him in court.
These are some sample questions I received in the program and the answers I gave. I can't 100% guarantee the answers are all correct, however I got through the course without issue.
TOPIC: POLICE
Q1. Name 3 of the 4 most common factors in collisions
Answer
- Speed
- Fatigue
- Alcohol & Drugs
Q2. Can you drink alcohol whilst you drive a vehicle?
Answer: No
Q3. What are the three blood alcohol limits concerning drivers in NSW?
Answer:
- 0.0 Learner Drivers
- 0.02 Drivers of Public Vehicles
- 0.05 General License Holders
Q4. Name 2 of the ways police use to detect speeding drivers
Answer:
- Kustom Signals Silver Eagle II Radar
- Kustom Signals Pro Laser III LIDAR (Light Detection & Ranging)
Q5. Name 3 good driving traits?
Answer:
- Attitude - drive in a calm and courteous manner
- Defensive driving - Always anticipate other drivers/look ahead
- Knowledge - Know & obey road rules, and awareness of the limits of the road you are driving on.
Q6. Why do you think speed cameras are there?
Answer:
The primary reason for speed cameras is to slow people down, to keep the roads safe and to prevent or minimise accidents. Given speed is a major factor in accidents, speed cameras are warranted.
TOPIC: THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Q1. List 5 main causes of collisions:
Answer:
- Fatigue
- Speed
- Inexperienced Driving
- Alcohol
- Weather conditions/environment
Q2. What are 2 effects alcohol has on the body and how will this effect your ability to drive?
Answer:
- Effects central nervous system by slowing it down. Coordination is affected as a result and the ability to do several things at once (such as changing gear, braking, indicating, scanning for traffic and pedestrians simultaneously).
- Effects cognitive skills such as perception, which means the ability to recognise potential traffic hazards, to estimate time and distances and to react accordingly is reduced.
Q3. List 5 ways drugs effect your driving?
Answer:
- Hallucinations
- Eratic Behaviour
- Dizziness
- Aggression
- Reduced Coordination
- Look for danger to self and others
- Assess the scene
- Call 000
TOPIC: LEGAL ASSIGNMENT
Q1. What are the maximum penalties for driving whilst disqualified for a second offence within 5 years?
Answer:A mandatory minimum disqualification of 2 years. A maximum fine of up to $5500 and up to 2 years jail.
Q2. What will happen to you if you are convicted for three or more "relevant" offences within 5 years?
Answer:
Declared habitual offender and 5 years will be added to disqualification
Q3. What is the likely penalty for a person who is convicted of dangerous driving occasioning death?
Answer:
Not less than 3 years imprisonment
Q4. If you were driving with a mid range PCA and you had an accident and were at fault, and you injured or killed a person, is it likely that you would be convicted of dangerous driving?
Answer:
No, it is dependent on whether you were driving negligently or dangerously
Q5. What should you do once your disqualification period has expired?
Answer:
Go to the RTA (do not drive there) and apply for another license.
Q6. What is an interlock device?
Answer:
An electronic device, hardwired into car that monitors your alcohol consumption.
TOPIC: ROADS AND VEHICLES
Q1. What does a compulsory Third Party Insurance (green slip) cover?
Answer:
Liability for personal injury to others (passengers and other road users)
Q2. What can an insurance company do if you breach a policy condition?
Answer:
Deny any claims that you make
Q3. Name two types of excess that may apply if you make a claim
Answer:
- Age Excess
- Inexperienced Driver Excess
Q4. Would an insurance company instantly refuse a claim if you were not at fault in an accident, but were however charged with a High Range PCA by the police?
Answer:
Not instantly, but they may refuse after further investigation
Answer:
10 metres (from 38m to 48m). Source: RTA website
Answer:
Not instantly but they do have the right to refuse based on modification. They may however use their discretion.
TOPIC: DANGEROUS BEHAVIOURS
Q1. What did you learn from this session?
Answer
I learnt that humans are the main contributing factor to crashes, and that defensive driving is the best strategy for safe driving by anticipating other drivers and driving to the conditions.
Q2. What did you learn about the consequences of irresponsible driving?
Answer:
Irresponsible driving increases the risk of having an accident and more often than not are key factors in fatalities on the road. Consequences can be far reaching - harm to self, others and their families.
Q3. How could this session influence your decision to become a responsible driver? Why?
Answer:
The statistics speak for themselves. It's clear that accidents and fatalities are often due to irresponsible driving. I don't want to be one of those statistics.
Q4. What will it take for you to decide not to re-offend?
Answer:
I have already made the decision not to re-offend. The loss of my license, the embarrassment of my actions, having to face court and attending the traffic offenders program have all contributed to and influenced my decision not to re-offend.
TOPIC: VICTIMS OF ROAD TRAUMA Q1. How many possible victims could there be of a Road Trauma event?
Answer:
Endless number because it extends to family, friends, work colleagues and professionals that deal with the trauma.
Q2. What actions do smart drivers take to reduce the risks of being involved in an accident? Give 4 examples
Answer:
- Avoid drinking alcohol prior to driving
- Avoid speeding
- Avoid driving while fatigued.
- Use defensive driving techniques
Answer:
I'll make smarter choices before I get into the car, and smarter choices while on the road with particular attention to the speed limit now that I am aware of the difference that even 10 km/h can make.
Q4. Who has ultimate responsibilty over the car you are driving?
Answer:
I do. The choices I make while driving are my responsibility and can have dire consequences if they are not smart decisions.
TOPIC: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Q1. List 3 ways that alcohol effects the body
- Can affect your coordination
- Can affect judgement - ie make you say or do things you normally wouldn't
- Can affect sight - ie blurred vision
Answer:
Slow you down and distort your perception
Q3. Smoking Cannabis can lead to which of the following:
a. Respiratory Diseases
b. Emphysema & Bronchitis
c. Lung Cancer
d. All of These
e. None of These
Answer:
d. All of These
Q4. Heroin is which of the following: depressant, stimulant or hallucinogen?
Answer:
Depressant
Q5. Stimulants do which of the following: Slow You Down; Speed You Up; Distort Your Perception?
Answer:
Speed you up
Q6. Does the same amount of alcohol affect people the same way?
Answer:
No
Answer:
Wait it out - time is the only thing that will make you sober
Q8. True or False: Police cannot check to see if you are under the influence of any other drug besides Alcohol
Answer:
False
Q9. Alcohol is which of the following: Depressant; Stimulant; Hallucinogen
Answer:
Depressant
Answer:
- Overheating Dehydration
- May increase feelings of self confidence.
