THIS IS WHAT NHA WEBSITE SAYS:Note: This is worth reading.(Althogh I havent even read it)
Good Driving & Highway Safety Tips
More than 90 per cent of accidents are caused by a driver or rider making a mistake. You need to be fully alert at all times- don't allow yourself to be distracted. Try to be aware of all that is happening around you. Anyone can make a mistake. There is no such thing as a perfect driver. While driving always give an allowance for the mistakes of other drivers.
Highway Safety Tips
? Be particularly careful if you are a new driver. Statistics show that the 17 to 25-year old age group and those who have recently passed a test are more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious accident.
? Seeing something isn't the same as being aware of it. You need to judge the degree of risk. A pedestrian on the pavement may
? Stay where they are- no hazard at all
? Be looking t
? he other way and about to run into the road - a serious hazard
? Try to judge what pedestrians and other road users might do.
? Being prepared for the unexpected improve your safety. Be ready for difficult situations- the road being blocked beyond a blind end- for instance.
? Adapt your driving tot the type of road. Take particular care on roads with junctions.
? Slow down
? Be prepared for vehicles pulling out
? Inside streets and country lanes where there may be unmarked junctions, proceed cautiously - nobody has priority at an unmarked junction.
? Don't treat speed limits as a target. It won't always be safe to drive at that limit. Always take the road and driving conditions into account.
? Position yourself sensibly on the road. On right hand bends for instance, keeping a position to the left will
? Improve your view of the road
? Help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic coming in the opposite direction.
? Choose an appropriate place to maneuver. If you need to turn your car around wait until you find a safe place. DO NOT reverse or turn round in busy roads. Find a quiet side road or drive round a block of streets.
? Driving safely needs all your concentration. Avoid distractions such as listening to loud music (which can mask other sounds) and don't try to do other things at the same time such as reading maps or using mobile phones.
? Don't take drugs when driving. Alcohol and drugs will
? Reduce co-ordination
? Slow down reactions
? Affect judgment of speed
? Alcohol takes time to leave the body; you might still be unfit to drive the following morning.
? If you are going to drink, use public transport.
Road Courtesies
? Don't drive aggressively. Try to understand if another driver causes problem.
? If someone is behaving badly on the road, don't get involved. If you feel angry pull over and calm yourself down.
? If a vehicle from behind tries to overtake but cannot, take no action. Keep to a steady course and within the speed limit. Pull over if it is safe to do so and let the vehicle pass. Never obstruct drivers who wish to overtake. Speeding up or driving unpredictably while someone is overtaking you can be very dangerous.
? Never overtake a vehicle indicating right. Even if you believe the signal should have been canceled, don't take a risk. Wait for the signal to be canceled.
? If a vehicle pulls out into your path at the junction, slow down and hold back to allow it to get clear. Don't over-react by driving up too close behind.
? When following other vehicles leave enough space to stop if the vehicle in front brakes or changes course. Rear-end collisions are caused by not paying attention or by following too closely.
? In slow-moving traffic, you may need to reduce the distance between you and the car ahead to maintain the traffic flow. How ever, don't get so close that you can not stop safely. If the traffic is block, always leave just enough space to maneuver should the vehicle in front break down or an emergency services vehicle need to get pass.
? In narrow residential streets with parked cars you should not normally exceed 30 Km/h. Look out for hazards such as :
? Vehicle emerging from junctions.
? Vehicle moving off.
? Car doors opening.
? Pedestrians running out from between parked cars.
? If you are in a line of slow moving traffic, don't stop directly on a pedestrian crossing. Try to judge the flow of traffic and leave a gap for pedestrians to cross.
Hazards to avoid
? In urban areas there is a high risk of pedestrians specially children's stepping unexpectedly into the road. At 60 Km/h your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrians it hits at 30 Km/h. there is a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed. So kill your speed.
? Elderly pedestrians may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Don't hurry them by waving at them or revving the engine.
? If you need to reverse into a side a road, look all around the vehicle and give way to any pedestrians who may be crossing the road.
? Take care when you pass cyclist. Be prepared for cyclist to go any in direction at road junctions or roundabouts. They are slow and vulnerable and it is often safer for them to stay in the near side link even then they are going most of the way round roundabout.
? The reaction of elderly drivers may not be quite as fast as they once were. Make allowance for this.
? You should also be prepared for drivers who may have little driving experience and whose reaction may not be quite as fast as those of a more practiced driver. Most young drivers are relatively inexperience. Be particularly patient with learner drivers.
? Large vehicle can break your view. Drooping back may increase your ability to see and to plan ahead.
? If you plan to overtake large vehicle, keep well back to get the best view of the road ahead. Passing a large vehicle is more risky and can take a long time because of its length. Make sure that you have room to complete your overtaking before you commit your self. Don't take risk. If in doubt, don't overtake.
? If the vehicle ahead begins to overtake a large or long vehicle, don't assume that you can follow it. If a problem develops, the vehicle ahead may abort overtaking and need to drop back.
? A large vehicle may need extra road space to turn or to deal with hazards that you are not being able to see. If you are following a large vehicle-an articulated lorry, for instance- be prepared to stop and wait if it needs room or time to turn.
? If you are following a motor cycle, be prepared for it to swerve. You may not be able to see what lies ahead. Motorcyclist may need to avoid when road surfaces in wet weather such as drain covers and other road features.
? Look out for people getting on and off buses, coaches. Be particularly attentive if you are passing a school bus or an ice cream van, as children may run out from behind it.
? In the country you are more likely to find animals in the road. If a road is blocked by the animals, stop until they have left the road.
Fit to Drive?
? Don't drive if you feel unwell or are taking drugs, which may effect your driving. If in doubt about the effect of medicinal drugs don't drive.
? Check the instruction on medicine to make sure that they don't affect your driving. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
? If you feel tired or sleepy while driving, pull over into a safe place (Not the hard shoulder of a Motor way) and take a short rest. Some exercise, tea or coffee while you stop will help to keep you alert and improve your concentration.
? Make sure that you dressed appropriately for driving. You should be comfortable, and what you wear should not interfere with your control of the vehicle. Suitable shoes are particularly important to ensure that you can use the pedals safely.
Handling Vehicle
? Make sure that you can use the controls and equipment of your vehicle correctly.
? Adjust your seat and mirrors to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision. Properly adjusted head restraints will reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of an accident.
? Remain in full control of the vehicle at all time. Leaning your arm on the door, resting your hand on the gear-stick or hand brake, or holding the steering wheel only one hand makes it harder to regain full control if an expected hazard arises.
? Make sure that you never run out of petrol. It can be very dangerous to lose power when driving traffic. Only carry petrol in a can or tank designed for that purpose.
? Except in an emergency, the safest way to brake is to brake lightly, then harder as you begin to stop then ease of just before stopping. Easing the pressure as the car comes to rest avoid a jerky stop.
? In an emergency, brake immediately. If your vehicle is not fitted with anti-lock brake (ABS), try to avoid locking your wheels by using “cadence braking ".
? If the vehicle begins to skid when braking on a wet or slippery road, release the brake pedal to allow the wheels to turn and then brake again more gently. This may be repeated many times and is know as cadence braking.
? Anti-locks braking systems apply cadence braking automatically with out the need to release the brake pedal so you should not apply this technique if your vehicle has ABS. If your vehicle is fitted ABS you should continue to push hard on the pedal. ABS will prevent the wheels from locking and so enable you to steer around an obstacle.
? Heavy acceleration, fast driving and late or harsh braking or increase fuel consumption. Use fuel economically.
? Water on brakes may cause them to lose their effectiveness. If you have driven through water - for instance a flood, burst main or a ford-test your brake at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal, to make sure that they work. If they don't work, continue to apply the brakes gently while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.
? Don't coast what ever the driving conditions. Costing occurs when you allow your vehicle to travel in neutral or with the clutch depressed. This reduces the driver's controls of the vehicle as it eliminates the effect of engine braking. This mean you have to use the foot brake more, and over-use can reduce its effectiveness. Coasting can also reduce steering control on bends and corners, increase vehicle speed on hills, and make it more difficult to select the appropriate gear when you need it.
? When turning or reversing you should check all rounds from other road users or pedestrians. Use your mirrors but look mainly through the rear and the side windows.
? Think about the signals you give to other road users. Make sure that your use of indicators would not mislead others. If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, avoid signaling too early or it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Use indicators even if there is no other vehicle, for the benefits of pedestrians.
? If you think that your indicators can not be seeing clearly because another drivers view is obstructed, use an arm signal as well to emphasize the point.
? If an emergency service vehicle following you flashes its headlights, allow it to overtake when it is safe to do so.
? To help control your speed on a long down hill slope, slow down and select a low gear before you reach the slope. Use the brakes carefully.
? If you park on a hill, apply the hand brake firmly. Turning the front wheel so the face into the kerb will help to stop the car rolling down hill. Leave the car in gear- a forward gear if pointing up hill and reverse if pointing down hill. Use park if your car has automatic gearbox.
Bad Weather
? Try to avoid driving in bad weather.
? If you must drive, take particular care. Drive only at a speed, which allow you to stop within the distance you can see to bee clear.
? Stopping distance will be up to four times greater than on dry roads because your tyres have less grip on the road. Keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
? The steering may be affected. If you are driving on wet roads and the steering becomes light, it means that the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if this happens.
? Spray from large vehicles may take it difficult to see so use dipped headlights.
? In icy or snowy weather
? Before starting your journey, clear snow and ice from the windows, mirrors, lights and number plates of our vehicle. Make sure the windows are de-misted thoroughly.
? Stopping distance can be ten times greater than on dry roads, so keep well behind the vehicle in front.
? Be extra gentle on the controls when the roads are icy as any sudden movement could cause you to skid. Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible with low revs to avoid wheel spin.
? When approaching bends and hazards, brake well before you reach the bend and try to brake only when traveling in a straight line. Otherwise you might skid. Slow right down before turning and steer smoothly, avoiding sudden movements.
? Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels light, this may indicate black ice your vehicle losing its grip on the road.
? Don't think you can fully control a skid - there is rarely enough space.
? Avoid anything, which may cause a skid, but if you do lose control, steer in the direction of the skid. For instance, if the rear skids to the right, steer quickly and smoothly to the right to cover.
? In windy weather
? Cars are less likely to be affected by strong winds than high-sided vehicles, but remember that it still possible for strong gust to blow a car off-course.
? Open stretches of road can often be exposed to strong crosswind. Look out for gaps in hedges or bridges, which may alter the effects of the wind on your vehicle.
? If it is very windy, you may be affected by windbreaks or eddies created by passing large vehicle.
? In fog or poor visibility
? Slow down, because you can not see events ahead.
? At junctions with limited visibility, stop in the correct position and then move forward carefully, checking both ways as fully as possible. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so decisively. Once you have reached positions where you would be in the path of approach traffic, don't stop.
? Keep well back from the vehicle ahead in case it stops suddenly. This is particularly important when traveling fast on motorways and dual carriageways, when vehicles can unexpected enter fog banks
? In very hot weather
? Be careful if the road surface becomes soft. Your steering and braking might be affected. Driving at night is more dangerous than driving in daylight, so be particular alert. You can see less detail and might not see bends in the road and other hazards.
? Use your lights thoughtfully. When overtaking, remain on dipped headlights until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam. This enables both cars to see ahead. If vehicle approaches from the other direction, or you are behind another vehicle, dip your lights. Dazzling other drivers is dangerous.
? If you have left a brightly-lit building, give your eyes time to adjust before driving. If your night vision is poor, don't drive.
Motorway Driving
? Motorways are generally safer than other roads. When accidents do happen they can be very severe, due to the speed of the traffic .After you have passed your practical test it is advisable to take some lessons on the motorway before you drive unsupervised.
? Before you start your journey, make sure that you and your vehicle can cope with the demands of high-speed driving. Check you vehicle's
? Oil
? Water
? Tyers
? Doing this will reduce the risk of breakdown.
? Always keep to the left lane unless overtaking. This applies whatever speed you are traveling at, extreme right lane is only for overtaking and not for constant driving.
? Look in your mirrors carefully before overtaking or changing lanes. If you want to change into another lane, wait until it is clear before indicating.
? Large vehicles are not allowed to use the extreme right lane of a motorway, which has three or more lanes.
? Contra flow system on motorways mean that you are traveling in a narrow lane than normal and with no permanent barrier between you and the traffic coming towards you. You are twice as likely to have an accident on a two-way Contra flow compared to normal driving. Drive slowly and keeps a good distance from the vehicle ahead, observing any speed limits.
Common Faults in Vehicles and Safety Gadgets
? Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the instrument panel. Don't ignore warning signs of faults developing. Your safety and that of others may be put at risk.
? Warning lights for brakes - fluid level warning, brake pad wear, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and the parking brake (handbrake) - should light up and then go out again when the vehicle moves off. If they don't, a dangerous fault may have developed and you should not drive the vehicle before having checks made.
? If the warning lights for oil or water temperature come on while you are driving, stop and have the problem investigated immediately. There may be a serious fault, which could lead to engine seizure.
? If the charge warning light comes on while you are driving, it may mean that the battery is not charging. This must also be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power for lights and other electrical systems.
? Make sure that you know where the switch for the hazards warning light is located. Both the switch and the warning light are red and marked with a triangle.
? Check tyre pressure at frequently intervals. Do this before your journey, when they are cold. Warm or hot tyres may give a misleading reading. Your braking and steering will be adversely affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Excessive or uneven tyre wear may be caused by faults in the braking or suspension systems, or wheels which are out of alignment. Have these faults corrected as soon as possible.
? If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it is most likely to be caused by poorly adjusted brakes. However, incorrectly inflated tyres or a serious mechanical failure may also be the problem. Consult a garage or mechanic immediately.
? If the vehicle continues to bounce after pushing down on the front or rear, its shock absorbers are worn. Worn shock absorbers can seriously affect the operation of the vehicle and must be replaced.
? Ensure that unusual smell is investigated immediately. Burning rubber, electrical or petrol smells need urgent checks. Don't risk a fire.
? Check the fluid levels in your vehicle frequently. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and an accident. Make sure you recognize the low fluid warning lights if your vehicle has them.
? In petrol stations, never smoke on the forecourt. This is hazardous and is a major fore risk.
? If your car has additional lights which are not required by law, they must be correctly fitted and adjusted and in working order.
? It is advisable to use child locks if you carry children in the back seats. Child locks prevent the rear doors being opened from the inside.
Accidents and Emergencies
? If you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk - otherwise call a breakdown service.
? If a tyre burst while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.
? Most engines are water-cooled. If your engine overheats, wait until it has cooled naturally. Only then remove the coolant filler cap and add water or coolant.
? If your vehicle catches fire, get the occupants out of the vehicle quickly and to safe place. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare up. Call the fire brigade.
? It is advisable to carry a first aid kit in case you are involved in or arrive at the scene of an accident.
? Keep injured people calm by talking to them. Keep them warm and comfortable. Don't leave an injured person unattended.