General Tips

Remember that driving is a full-time job. Keep full concentration on the driving task at all times, with both hands on the wheel. Concentration and anticipation helps prevent panic maneuvers.

Keep your eyes on the road at all times and do not allow distractions to take your attention off the driving task, such as:

	do not look at your passengers whilst talking.
	smoking
	using a cellular phone
	changing radio stations or cassettes
	drinking coffee or pop.

Remember:

Slow down in advance of an intersection or curve in the road.

Keep a good following distance from the vehicle ahead. Under ideal conditions this should never be less than a THREE SECONDS following distance. Under adverse conditions, this following distance must be increased accordingly.

Avoid unnecessary overtaking.

A cellular phone is a valuable aid in an emergency, but must not be used whilst driving. A charging device should also be in the vehicle.

It is necessary to know the type of braking system your vehicle is equipped with. This could be conventional or ABS - know how to use your system.

Ensure that tires are in good condition, and that tire pressure is checked every two weeks. It is essential to remember that all that is between you and the road, are those four small patches of tire that are in contact with the road.

Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seatbelts.

Never have loose articles on top of the dashboard, or back seat.

To obviate the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, and to be better able to hear the sound of a siren, drive with the driver's window at least 1/2 an inch open. This is especially true in cold conditions.

Before making any direction change always remember to

	check your mirrors
	signal your intention - even when backing
	check the blind spot.

Never drink and drive

Know what effect mediation can have on your driving

Always ensure that you are in a fit state to drive both physically and mentally. Do not drive if feeling ill or under emotional strain. It is safer to keep off the roads until we feel more 'up to it'

Know the rules of the road. It is vital that we always have an up-to-date copy of the 'The Driver's Handbook' and keep reading this.

Always insure that your vehicle is in 100% condition. Your life depends on it.