Task No.1!
Remember that the most important thing you need to do when you’re behind the wheel is... drive, not change the radio station, talk on the phone, look for a lost item under your seat, munch or put lipstick on. Alertness and safety are mandatory prerequisites of a good driver on the road.
Give way
At some point or another you’ve probably grumbled at other drivers in your way. Did you ever think about how often cars collide because one driver doesn’t give way to another? The answer is simple: all the time. So if you’re unsure of who has the right of way, be the smart one and give way first.
A car isn’t a plane
That’s why flying around in it at high speeds is particularly dangerous. And it’s pointless. Increasing your speed in the city barely saves you 5–8 minutes – not something that’s worth endangering the lives of you and your passengers over. Even if you’re late for the most important of meetings or an exam, don’t forget – a human life is the most important of all.
Reaction impediments...
It’s not only alcohol which causes reactions to slow, eyesight to grow weaker and ability to multi-task to decrease. Narcotics and certain medicines can also hinder driving. Very often the greatest enemy of safe driving is fatigue and lack of sleep.
You deserve belting if you drive without a belt on!
Excuses like “the seatbelt wrinkles my clothes”, “I’m not comfortable wearing a seatbelt” or “I don’t want to get trapped in the car if there’s an accident” really aren’t convincing arguments. Studies show that wearing a seatbelt is the most effective safety measure of all, so drivers must make sure that all passengers are wearing theirs.
When children are in the vehicle
Children are passengers who require special attention in an automobile. As confirmed by safety experts, in the event of a sudden collision children are safest when they are in the back seat in a car seat. Responsible parents mustn’t give in to children’s refusals to sit in car seats, to stand in moving cars or to leave seatbelts off.
The road is no place for surprises
Using your turn signal (indicating) on both city streets and when passing others on the motorway is a good habit used by careful drivers. Accidents are often caused by the unpredictable actions of drivers, so it’s very important for others to know what manoeuvres you are planning to make. Avoid slamming on your brakes or weaving in and out of lanes. Use the correct turn signal and turn only when you are ready.
Drive a safe automobile
Safety isn’t ensured by only air cushions and securely fastened seatbelts. It’s just as important to make sure that your car is in good working condition, especially those parts that have to do with visibility and braking. Don’t forget to check if your brakes are working properly and that your tires grip the road well.
Caution – cyclists ahead
The actions of the cyclists who spill out onto the streets when it gets warm are less predictable than other traffic flow participants; therefore, it’s necessary to keep a safe distance and overtake them using the same wide berth you’d give an automobile. When you see a cyclist, slow down, be patient, and show tolerance.
Pedestrians aren’t your enemies
Even if some pedestrians are prone to crossing the street where they aren’t allowed to, don’t lose your patience – let them cross. Stop at pedestrian crosswalks and don’t drive around pedestrians as they cross the street. Be particularly alert near schools and nurseries where children can run into the street.
