1. Perfect your Roadcraft.
   Roadcraft include every aspect of driving and can be acquired only by a systematic approach to hazards and constant application of the basic rules. Good road-craft enables a driver to avoid awkward and possibly dangerous situations. It not only prevents collisions but makes driving less arduous. Use your skills to keep out of trouble.
   
   
2. Drive with deliberation and overtake as quickly as possible.
   Good driving demands continual planning and correct decisions which must be put into operation with deliberation. There is no place for the half-hearted manoeuvre bourn of doubt or uncertainty. If it is not completely safe it should not be attempted at all. Overtaking should always be completed in the minimum of time to leave the road clear for approaching or following vehicles. Deliberation eliminates uncertainty, When safe, go.
   
   
3. Develop car sense and know the capabilities of your vehicle.
   Car sense is the ability to get the best from the vehicle without jerks or vibration. Before a strange vehicle is driven fast the driver should accustom themselves to its controls, acceleration and braking capabilities and overall handling capabilities. Never expect more from them than they are able to give. Vehicles, like drivers, have their limitations. Driver and vehicle must blend to ensure skilful driving.
   
   
4. Give proper signal, use of the horn and headlights thoughtfully.
   Use the signals given in the highway code. An ambiguous signal is misleading and dangerous. Use of the horn is a form of signalling much neglected by some and over done by other. It should be used as a person would use their voice, neither aggressively nor rudely. Flashing the lights is an efficient form of signalling at night and on a fast road. Give good signals in good time.
   
   
5. Concentrate at all times to avoid a collision.
   Concentration is the cornerstone of good driving. It is a primary duty but often a neglected one. Complete concentration will ensure that every detail is observed. It is often the smallest detail that gives the clue to what is about to happen. If it is missed a collision, or at least an unpleasant experience, may result.
   
   
6. Think before acting.
   The good driver makes progress so smoothly and with so little apparent fuss or effort that to the initiated they appear to respond to situations automatically. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The fact is that by continuous concentration and thought they have raised their driving to a fine art. Every hazard and driving operation presents problems which can only be solved by thinking. A thoughtful driver applies the appropriate features of the system, carries out every operation and manoeuvre in plenty of time and consequently is always in the right place at the right moment. Think and avoid collisions.
   
   
7. Exercise restraint and hold back when necessary.
   To hold back is to follow a vehicle at a safe distance until the road and traffic conditions allow it to be overtaken. This will call for restraint especially when in a hurry. Overtaking or any other manoeuvre must never be attempted unless it can be completed with 100% safety. Collisions are caused because a situation is wrongly assessed. Whenever in doubt, wait.
   
   
8. Corner with safety.
   Driving around a curve demands the application of the principles for cornering and a thorough knowledge of the forces acting on the vehicle. The most common faults are entering too fast or accelerating before the exit is clearly seen. Lose your speed or lose the car.
   
   
9. Use speed intelligently and drive fast only in the right places.
   High speeds are safe only when a clear view is available for a considerable distance and there is time to assess each hazard as it appears, but speed at all times must be relative to the view. Safety with speed depends largely upon the ability to recognise danger and slow down in good time. Any fool can drive fast enough to be dangerous.
   
   
10. Know the Highway Code and put it into practice.
    The Highway Code sets out the rules for safety on the road. A failure to observe them could establish liability in any legal proceedings. The rules must be known and complied with if a driver’s own behaviour is to be beyond reproach and before they can presume to advise others. The Highway Code urges all to be courteous. A good driver goes further and acknowledges the courtesies extended to them. Drive according to the Highway Code and you will drive safely.

Remember ~ Arrive Alive

Stewart Rivers Chief Observer NET RoADA

Stewart Rivers is a Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police and their most senior practicing Class 1 driver