driving.co.uk

Hints and Tips

Don't play your sound system so loud that you can't hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle

Driving is fun, but it is also a skill that has to be applied with responsibility. Passing the driving test is not the end of learning to drive, it is just the beginning.

Experience can make us better drivers, provided that we keep a check on what habits we allow to develop.

Our biggest risk of having a bad accident is within the first two years of passing the driving test.

The most important tip is to stay with the thinking habit where you judge everything well in advance, the intended outcome being a natural driving style that is safe, smooth, progressive and unobtrusive.

The following list of 'Hints and Tips' will help reduce this risk ....

Most of them also make good street wise sense for the experienced driver too.

1. After passing your test it will be strange to find an empty front passenger seat. The first time you drive take someone with you for support. Think seriously about displaying a `P' plate

2. When you do have to drive completely alone, begin on roads that you know but remember to keep a road atlas in the car in case you get lost.

3. When you get your confidence, drive like you own the car, not the road !

4. You've learnt to drive and passed your test by sticking to the rules. Stay this way and you'll stay alive ! So will your passengers and others on the road.

5. Your quick reactions won't always stop you having an accident. Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will.

6. Drive in a way that suits your ability and the traffic conditions. It doesn't impress anybody if you drive fast in the wrong places and you could end up in a lot of trouble.

7. Have plenty of sleep, especially before making a big journey and take plenty of rest breaks to restore your alertness. Listen to the radio for traffic reports and make sure you've enough fuel.

8. Fiddling with the radio or a cassette when your driving can be distracting, so can playing your sound system so loud that you can't hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle.

9. Give your mates a lift, but remember you're the driver so you're in control. Don't succumb to peer pressure. If they give you hassle, drop them off at a bus stop !

10. Keep your eyes moving but don't scare your passengers by turning your head away from the road ahead when talking to any of them ! Drivers are responsible for any child under 14 wearing a seat belt or suitable restraint

11. Remember that drivers are responsible for any child under 14 wearing a seat belt or suitable restraint

12. Take motorway tuition and seriously think about advanced driver training. Research shows that it makes better drivers.

13. Driving a four wheel drive motor doesn't suspend the laws of physics. You can still lose control if you ask too much of it.

14. Don't leave valuables in your car where they can be seen because this invites a break in.

15. Keep space from aggressive drivers. Don't get involved in trouble.

16. Be seen. Whenever you need to turn your windscreen wipers on switch your lights on as well.

17. If you're driving on a slippery or loose surface use the foot controls very gently. Taking drugs and driving, like drinking alcohol before driving is a definate `No'

18. Taking drugs and driving, like drinking alcohol before driving is a definite `No'.

19. Keep a tool kit in your car, including a jack and wheel brace.

20. Read the Owners Manual. Know the jacking points and tyre pressures.

21. Before driving abroad you need professional advice

Women Alone
41% of all drivers are women. 55% fear breaking down on the motorway and 42% are worried about driving alone at night.

If you're driving alone, particularly if you're a woman you should:
a. Plan your journey properly and let somebody know your route.
b. Carry a pen, paper, maps, first aid kit, torch, small change, warm clothing/blanket and a fire extinguisher.
c. Carry a mobile phone.
d. Carry a personal attack alarm.
e. Be sure that your car is in good order and join a reliable vehicle breakdown and recovery organisation

Learn and Live
"Okay, so I've just passed my test. But I've got as much right to the road as everybody else"

"Okay, so I've just passed my test. But I've got as much right to the road as everybody else"

"We're the best drivers around because we're quick and alert"

"Elderly drivers are too hesitant. They're the ones that cause accidents"

For more driver quotes, including experienced drivers, visit Vicki Stone's Learn & Live campaigning website.

Web Links
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