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RACT members have raised concerns over the impact of the new generation of driving lights now being fitted to many vehicles. The Northern Regional Advisory Committee has also brought the issue to RACT’s attention. LED light bars are an aid to safety in regional areas and off-road, but many drivers are telling us that they are being blinded by vehicles failing to dip these lights. See the next page for guidelines.

It’s not a new issue – the RACT has fielded many complaints over the years about drivers with a powerful new generation of lights. But the complaints are mounting because of the brightness delivered by LED technology.

Tasmanian road rules prevent the use of driving lights or high beams: • When you are less than 200m behind another vehicle • When you are less than 200m from any oncoming vehicle • To dazzle another road user, or in a way that is likely to dazzle another road user Some light bars may not be fitted in accordance with the regulations. Under the regulations: • The number of additional lamps can’t exceed four • They must be forward facing • Can only be switched on when main lights are on • Not to be fitted in a position that causes a dangerous protrusion • Not to be fitted above the bonnet line. More detail on the regulations is available at http://bit.ly/additionallights

QHow do I make my car battery last longer?

AAfter working on the roadside for more than 15 years and attending thousands of breakdowns,

I recently attended two breakdowns in a row where both cars’ batteries were fitted in 2012. Wow, nine years old! The first one was in a mid-90s Corolla, driven regularly and parked outside. The second was in a mid-90s Commodore, also driven regularly and parked in a garage.

Usually, I will fit a new RACT battery with a threeyear warranty and suggest that typical life is around four or five years. It’s good knowing we are fitting topquality batteries that last the distance.

Tips to look after your battery include: • Ensure all lights are off when leaving and locking your vehicle, especially the interior light. • Ensure the vehicle is serviced regularly, the battery clamp is secure and the terminals are clean and tight. • Don’t leave your car undriven for extended periods (install a maintenance charger if periods extend past four weeks). • Avoid using too many accessories without the engine running eg charging phones, listening to the radio or leaving the heater fan on. • If you do drain your battery, ensure it is fully recharged on a manual charger. Depending on the battery this can take up to 72 hours. Locking your vehicle ensures that your car’s computer systems shut down completely and don’t drain your battery. Hybrid and electric vehicles also have a 12-volt battery for running lights, radio and door locks, so are still susceptible to flat batteries. RACT Roadside Patrol // Julian McGarry

The RACT has expanded its presence in Glenorchy and is reinvesting in the community after launching its refurbished branch. The RACT has doubled the size of the branch and increased staff to accommodate a virtual call centre and serve more customers.

RACT Group CEO Mark Mugnaioni says it’s vital to continue to connect with the community after witnessing some of the impacts of COVID.

“The RACT is committed to investing in the organisation’s state-wide network of branches.

“We saw some of the devastating effects to businesses and growth during COVID, and we think it’s important to continue to serve and grow the local economy.

“With more than 210,000 members we are Tasmania’s largest membership-based organisation and we need to make sure we continue to have a strong presence,” Mugnaioni says.

Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas says the upgrades are a welcome addition to the Glenorchy community.

“Having a physical branch is extremely important to the local community – consumers rely on branches to reach out to staff when they need it most. Having an enhanced, new facility is a great asset to the Glenorchy community.”

Around $55,000 has been spent upgrading the branch which will not only benefit members but also support the local economy.

“The enhancements will allow us to better service more of our members via phone or face-to-face, with the same great community-connected service offering,” Mugnaioni said.

“Thanks to this investment, the Glenorchy branch can continue to serve the community for years to come.”

The Glenorchy branch is one of seven branches around the state ready to serve the community.

On 30 November 2021 we held our 98th Annual General Meeting. The event had a terrific turnout where many important items were voted on by our members. Below is a summary of the results: 1. Confirmed the minutes of the 97th AGM. Results: 910 for and 17 against. 2. Received the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 12 months ended 30 June 2021. Results: 906 for and 24 against. 3. Ordinary Resolutions passed at AGM. a. Auditor resignation and appointment.

Results: 895 for and 37 against. b. Board Limit.

Results: 559 for and 370 against. 4. To elect two members to the Board in accordance with Clause 9.10 of the Constitution. Result: As less than 2% of eligible RACT members cast votes in the election, there can be no result as per RACT’s Constitution. The RACT Board has now begun a search and selection process to fill the two vacant positions on the Board. For further information on our 2021 AGM head to ract.com.au.