Driving

Drive Safely

The car has become a central feature of our lives, granting us unparalleled personal mobility through wider access to jobs, leisure and other facilities. With the ability and freedom to drive comes the responsibility to do so in a considerate and intelligent manner. We owe it to ourselves, our families, other road users and to the environment.

Going on a journey?

A little planning can save time and reduce stress. Work out the best route to travel and always try to take familiar roads. Be prepared to travel off-peak, if possible, so reducing congestion and local pollution.
Plan the route; take advantage of some of the route planners available on the internet such as www.theaa.com or www.rac.co.uk
If driving considerable distances, and on long journeys, take regular breaks. The Highway Code recommends that a 15 minute break should be taken if driving for more than two hours. Plan these breaks into the journey.

Spot the Problems

By spotting existing and potential problems, either before or as they develop, the more time is available to take steps to reduce the risk of an accident. Many accidents happen either because a driver fails to spot a problem or because, by the time it is spotted, it is too late to react.

Keep Space

When driving there is a requirement to achieve two aims which seem to contradict each other: (1) to keep pace with traffic (2) keeping space from other traffic. Space around the vehicle gives time to look, to think, to spot the risk and to react.

Observe the Speed Limits

One in two motorists on occasion breaks the speed limits on town roads. Lower speed limits indicate hazards ahead. A lower speed limit, gives time to react. At 20mph any pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle stands a 90% chance of surviving. At 40mph they stand only a 10% chance. Drive well within the speed limits on all roads. And remember, cars travelling at or above 70mph can use up to 25% more fuel than those travelling at 50mph.

Motorway Driving

Motorways are the safest roads, mainly because everyone is driving in the same direction and there are no traffic lights, roundabouts or pedestrians, but motorway driving can be monotonous and lack of concentration can escalate the risks sharply.

When joining a motorway, assess the traffic by glancing backwards through the drivers' vehicle window to check the blind spots and consider a right turn signal before moving onto the motorway. Traffic already on the motorway has priority. Use the slip road to accelerate to a speed that matches the flow in the left-hand lane.

Remember the two essential rules of motorway driving: maintain a safe following distance (two seconds between the vehicle and the vehicle in front is the minimum safety gap) and exercise good lane discipline. Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so there is less time to react. Look much further ahead than usual and use the vehicle mirrors early and regularly.

Take extra care when overtaking large goods vehicles/coaches etc. in heavy rain or high crosswinds. Spray thrown upwards and outwards by these type of vehicles reduces visibility and the size of the vehicle does block the crosswind which creates a very sudden cross wind once past the large goods vehicle/coach etc.

Always signal in good time before changing lanes and remember, a signal is an indication of an intention, it doesn't give the right to carry out the manoeuvre unless it's safe. Remember, it's Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre.

Overtake only on the right, unless traffic is moving more slowly in queues on the right. In these circumstances it is possible to overtake on the left to keep up with the traffic in the chosen lane.

If the vehicle has a break down, stop on the hard shoulder and use the nearest emergency telephone to contact the Police Motorway Control. The Emergency telephones are usually located at approximately one mile intervals. Don't stop on the hard shoulder unless it's an emergency.

Move to the left-hand lane in good time when preparing to leave a motorway. Be careful not to underestimate the speed of the vehicle when approaching the end of an exit slip road. Check the speedometer when leaving the motorway to ensure that the vehicle has slowed down sufficiently

Driving at Night

The following guidelines could be used before setting out after dark to make the drive safer.

Check the vehicle's windows are clean and clear, the windscreen wipers work effectively and there is sufficient liquid in the screen wash bottle and that lights and indicators are working and clean.
Be aware it is more difficult to judge the speed and distance correctly in the dark than in daylight. Consider a suitable speed for night driving and conditions.
Think about what might be lying in the road ahead. Use the light from on-coming vehicles to give valuable clues to the road ahead.
Look left if the headlights on an approaching car are not dipped. Give a quick headlight flash to warn the driver. DO NOT retaliate with full beam; two dazzled drivers are twice as dangerous as one. Eyes need time to readjust after.

Remember. Don't leave it too late to turn on vehicle lights. SEE AND BE SEEN.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Winter and Wet Conditions

Driving in adverse weather conditions is more difficult if the vehicle and driver aren't properly prepared.
It is prudent to establish if the journey is really necessary. If it is, then plan it and allow plenty of time.

Tell someone of intended route and how long it is estimated to take. Listen to the radio for details about road and weather conditions.
Ensure there is enough vehicle fuel for the journey.
Before setting out use a windscreen scraper or a de-icer to remove snow and ice from the vehicle. Do not use warm water from a kettle, resulting problems may include a cracked windscreen.
Check that screen washers are not blocked and the screen washer bottle is topped up and has a winter additive to prevent it from freezing.
Don't forget to clear snow from the headlights. Do not drive with a small hole cleared through the ice on the windscreen allowing only limited visibility. The Highway Code states that it is illegal to drive with poor visibility, so ensure all windows and mirrors are completely demisted and totally cleared of ice and snow before starting the journey.
Where possible use major routes, which may have been gritted/salted. However, this may not always be possible and it is to be remembered that the minor roads, which tend not to be gritted/ salted as a first priority, may be blocked or difficult to drive along. If a problem then develops it will be much harder for assistance to get to the location.
Use dipped headlights in heavy rain or snow. Do use the fog lights if conditions are poor but remember to turn them off. especially rear fog lights, when conditions improve.
Avoid driving in severe winter weather conditions - if it is absolutely necessary then ensure someone is aware of the departure time, route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
It is advisable to wear warm clothing and take a blanket, as well as waterproof clothing. If it is necessary to leave the vehicle and walk to Adverse Weather Conditions

It is also advisable to ensure that the vehicle tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated. Vehicle tyres which have little or minimum tread have little grip of the road surface when moving and this also applies when attempting to stop the vehicle.

Skidding

Adverse weather conditions bring an increased risk of skidding. It is a fact that a vehicle skid does not just happen, it can be avoided and the likelihood reduced by:

Driving at a speed suitable to the weather and road conditions.
Increasing the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front when the road is icy or wet.
Braking gently and well in advance of normal requirements.
Using gears to slow the vehicle down gradually.
Remembering the vehicle's steering will be lighter than in normal conditions and will require less effort to turn the steering wheel.

If a skid does occur, no matter how strong the temptation, it is advisable not to apply the brakes quickly as this will only increase the skidding movement. The most appropriate method to reduce /stop the skid is to lose speed gently by easing the pressure on the accelerator pedal and, if appropriate use the clutch to create a neutral gear situation. Once out of the skid and the vehicle is under control, it is safe to resume normal driving. However, if feeling shaken or unsure, stop at the side of the road until feeling normal before driving away.

Water has a significant effect on the ability and effectiveness of the vehicle brakes. After vehicles have driven through flood water, (or water which is the depth of the tyre wall), test your brakes thoroughly, first checking there is no vehicle to the rear. Brakes can be dried as the vehicle moves by exerting a slight pressure on the brake pedal while maintaining the pressure on accelerator. Doing this for a short period, (about 5 seconds) will assist in drying brake surfaces. Avoid harsh braking in all circumstances.

Summer

Take something to eat and a non-alcoholic drink, to ensure adequate sustenance in the event of prolonged stoppages due to any traffic congestion/road blocks.

Do not fill the fuel tank right to the very top on especially hot days due to the possible expansion of liquids like vehicle fuel. This could lead to fuel leaking out of the filler neck of the fuel tank or breather pipe.
If planning to tow a caravan, ensure the vehicle is well maintained paying particular attention to brakes and tyres. Note: Caravan tyres can get very old before they wear out. Examine them carefully for any signs of splitting or cracks in the side wall or tread, replace as soon as this is noticed and required.
Do not overload the vehicle or a caravan beyond the designed carrying capacity - consult the vehicle owner's manual for the information relative to the particular vehicle. If in any doubt have the vehicle and caravan weighed at a local weigh bridge.
Always leave plenty of room between the vehicle and the vehicle in front as when the vehicle is loaded and/or towing a caravan or trailer the effective braking distance will be increased.

The School Run

Many children are injured close to their homes on town/city roads. Statistics show that over 70 per cent of drivers break the speed limit on roads in residential areas - and many of those drivers are parents. The 'school run' brings with it a 25 per cent growth in rush hour traffic and as a result, a greater risk to pedestrians.

Considering the effects on the environment it is considered prudent to avoid taking children to school in a motor car although this is not always possible. Walking, cycling and public transport are all better options and children cycling to school should be proficient and wear a helmet, with bright, all-weather clothing.

If there is no alternative to driving, car sharing with other parents and taking alternate days to do this does help to reduce the vehicle congestion around schools during the day.

Sufficient time should be allowed for the journey. Crashes cause delay and are normally caused by drivers going too fast and driving too close to the car in front. By leaving five minutes earlier the journey is relaxed and this may also reduce stressful situations.
Drive well within the speed limit. Maintain a sensible safety gap - remember the 'two second rule'. It has been proven that at 35mph it is twice as likely that a person hit by a motor vehicle will be killed than at 30mph. Yet within the car, this feels hardly any different. The school approach presents many hazards - including children not concentrating fully as they cross the road.
Park considerately and safely. Never double park, block driveways or simply rely on the footbrake to keep the vehicle still as children climb out of the car. Consider parking 100 yards or so away from the school gate and completing the journey on foot. This gives an opportunity to teach children about using the road and reduces congestion at the school gate itself.
Never stop on the yellow 'zig zags' by the school gate, even briefly. Always ensure the children get out on the pavement side (or if there is no pavement, the side away from the traffic).
Do not drive on the pavement in an attempt to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. Wait until the way ahead is clear rather than risk injuring a pedestrian.

Vehicle Maintenance

Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers are all working. Also:

Lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates must be kept clean and clear.
Windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.
Lights must be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users. Pay extra attention if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Ensure the seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors are adjusted correctly before driving the vehicle.
Items of luggage are securely stowed.

Warning Displays

The meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel must be understood. It is prudent not to ignore vehicle warning signs as they could indicate a dangerous fault developing with the vehicle.

When the ignition key is turned to the on/start position, warning lights will be illuminated on the vehicle display but will go out when the engine starts (except the handbrake warning light). If they do not go out or if they are illuminated whilst the vehicle is being driven, stop and investigate the problem, and report it immediately as this is indicating a fault with the vehicle.

If the 'charge' warning light comes on while driving, it may mean that the battery isn't charging, This must also be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical

Tyres

Tyres MUST be correctly inflated and be free from cuts and other defects in the tread and side walls of tyres. Tread depth should be the following: Cars, light vans and light trailers 1.6mm
Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles 1.0mm. It is prudent to check tyre pressure each week and before long journeys, when tyres are cold. Warm or hot tyres may give a misleading reading. The correct tyre pressure is listed in the owners’ vehicle manual.

Fluid Levels

Check the fluid levels in the vehicle regularly. These include: Brake fluid, Oil, Windscreen Wash and Radiator Coolant

Fuel

Remember never smoke or use a mobile phone on the forecourt of petrol stations as these are major fire risks and could cause an explosion.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones and driving are both an essential part of everyday life for many people but the two activities must always be kept separate. Driving and talking on the phone at the same time can divert or split concentration and compromise the driver's ability to control the vehicle properly, which can affect the safety of the driver, passengers and that of others. The most important task is to drive safely.

As of 1st December 2003 the law governing the use of hand-held mobile phones, or similar devices, whilst driving changed. From that date it is an offence to 'cause or permit' a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, or to use a hand-held mobile phone while supervising a driver who has only a provisional driving licence. The law does not yet cover Hands-Free Mobile Phones.

The penalties for committing such an offence are as follows:

A fixed penalty of £60 + 3 penalty points (or a fine of up to £1,000 and disqualification, if the offender goes to court).
A fine of £2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or passenger carrying vehicles (with 9 or more passenger seats).

Always ensure that your mobile phone is switched off in the immediate vicinity of petrol stations.

The Driver

As well as planning the proposed journey and performing basic checks on the vehicle, the health and wellbeing of the driver should be considered before setting out on the journey.

Fatigue

Previous reports have shown that a staggering four million British drivers are nodding off in the driving seat every year, putting their own lives and those of other road users at serious risk. Almost one in seven drivers questioned - and as many as one in three of those driving more than 20.000 miles a year - admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel in the past twelve months.

Virtually half the 'sleepers' admitted that it had happened two or three times. Six percent of them said that they had found themselves falling asleep on ten or more journeys in the previous year. RAC's findings supplement earlier research indicating that falling asleep while driving plays a part in 20% of motorway accidents and 10% of accidents on other roads. Such accidents are more likely to result in death or serious injury because they often occur at high speed with the driver failing to brake.
As stated above in the Planning section, try to plan the journey to allow for adequate rest breaks.
The Highway Code recommends a minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.

Plan to stop - or to swap drivers - every couple of hours. Bear in mind, though that getting out of the vehicle and walking about will only have a limited effect. Try to avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6.00am when natural alertness is at a minimum and the risk of 'nodding off is at its peak.
If the feeling of sleepiness does happen, stop in a safe place and rest or exercise to bring back the levels of alertness. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway but locate a suitable and safe place off the motorway where there is no risk from motorway traffic. It is also prudent to avoid driving when taking a course of medicine that might impair judgement.
Speed
It is well known that speeding increases the risk of road accidents. At 35mph you are twice as likely to kill someone as you are at 30mph. Choose the right speed for the conditions and road layout - that is slow enough to be able to stop within the distance which can be seen to be clear ahead.

TWICE THE SPEED MEANS FOUR TIMES THE STOPPING DISTANCE

Stay within the speed limits and consider the surroundings to adjust vehicle speed accordingly. Just because the speed limit is 30mph in built up areas does not mean that the vehicle cannot be slowed down when approaching schools or pedestrian crossings. Signs designating Twenty's plenty' and 20mph are becoming increasingly common near schools, and should be obeyed as the statistics prove the reduction in personal injury severity at lower speeds.

Security

When leaving the vehicle it is very wise and indeed correct and prudent, to: Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock, Lock the car. even if only leaving it for a few minutes. Close the windows completely. Never leave children or pets in an unventilated car. Take all visible, portable contents, or lock them in the boot/glove-box.
Ensure that the vehicle is always locked, even when leaving the vehicle unattended to pay for fuel. Have the car keys ready so as lo get into the vehicle.

Attitudes

It is important to approach driving with the right attitude. Be tolerant and considerate to all other road users, even if they appear to be aggressive towards you.

Develop a sensible driving plan and endeavour to avoid tight driving schedules.
Try to avoid driving under pressure or stress (even with the children in the back of the car!).
Do not take a chance at the red lights, exceed speed limits or cut corners

Try to improve your powers of observation. Observation skills can give you an early warning of any situations developing which might require action from you. Keep your distance and use the two second rule whenever possible. Find a marker in the road, when the car in front passes say out loud 'only a fool breaks the two second rule'. If you have passed that same marker before you have finished the rule then you are too close. Take action and slow down creating a bigger gap between you and the car in front.

Accident Procedure

In the event of any accident which involves vehicles, a number of actions should be followed:

Stop the vehicle
Establish if any person has sustained any injuries and contact the emergency services requesting their attendance.
The Ambulance, Fire and Rescue.
The priority in any vehicle accident is to ensure any person who suffers injury is treated by the relevant emergency services as soon as possible. It is important to remember that vehicle damage, although emotionally upsetting and inconvenient, can be repaired. The health and well being of injured persons must be the first priority.
The name and address of any witness.

Police can be contacted by telephoning 999 and requesting the service required. Once these injuries have been treated, obtain the name and address of the driver of the other vehicle and the vehicle registration. It is also prudent to request the contact details for the other vehicle's insurance company. Give similar information to anyone having reasonable grounds for requiring them.

Security

When leaving the vehicle it is very wise and indeed correct and prudent, to:

Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock
Lock the car. even if only leaving it for a few minutes.
Close the windows completely.
Never leave children or pets in an unventilated car.
Take all visible, portable contents, or lock them in the boot/glove-box.

Ensure that the vehicle is always locked, even when leaving the vehicle unattended to pay for fuel. Have the car keys ready so as lo get into the vehicle.