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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Remember ~ Arrive Alive
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Stewart Rivers is a Superintendent with
the Metropolitan Police and their most senior practicing Class 1 driver
