Advanced Driving - Safe Driving Tips

SAFETY TIPS

Seat Belts
It is proven that wearing seat belts save lives and reduces the risk of serious injury. It is now the law in Cyprus for all occupants of a vehicle to wear a seatbelt. Get into the habit and as the driver, insist that your passengers ‘buckle up’.

Space
Drive with space around you. A Collision can only occur when two objects occupy the same Space.

This can be avoided by always leaving a suitable gap between you and other road users and objects.

Build a space cushion of safety all around your vehicle by constantly adjusting your speed and position to maximize the distance between yourself and other vehicles. Dominate your own road position so tailgaters must pass you safely or not at all.

This will enable you and those around you to have I time to react.

Speed
Drive observing the maximum and minimum speed limits set by law, and drive at a speed in which you are able to stop safely, on your own side of the road and in the distance you can see to be clear.

Be aware of the environment you are in and of those things going on around you. Adjust your speed accordingly.

Overtaking
Is the most dangerous manoeuvre you can make while driving.
Always be ready to abandon an overtake should another hazard come into view.
Do not cause any other vehicle to change course or speed.

Don’t overtake

• where there is restricted view, such as hill crests, bends and at or approaching junctions.
• unless yon can see far enough ahead and it's safe.
• unless can return to the correct side of the road safely and in plenty of lime.
• on the left, unless the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right, and you can overtake on the left safely.
• On, or approaching a pedestrian crossing.
• 
  If in doubt - Don’t Overtake!.
  
  Pedestrian Crossings
  As you approach a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop to allow pedestrians to cross. Scan both sides of the crossing as you approach.  DO NOT wave pedestrians across, as this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching.
  It is illegal to park on the crossing and on the zigzag lines either side of the crossing.
  
  Vision
  Look ahead and scan with your eyes to get the full picture, not fixing your vision on anything for more than two seconds. Constantly check your mirrors and also your blind spots when moving off and changing lanes.
  
  Be Seen
  Turn on your dipped headlights (not sidelights only) when visibility is reduced whatever the cause. Be it in the daytime when there is heavy rain, log smoke etc. or at dusk due to diminishing light. If you cant see other vehicles properly when their lights are not illuminated then they cant see you.
  You can also improve your visibility during normal driving by carefully positioning your vehicle so ii is not obscured by other vehicles or buildings.
  
  Steering
  Keep both hands on the wheel at either the quarter-to-three or ten-to-two position, unless it is necessary to operate a control or to give a hand signal. Use the ‘pull-push’ method where you can to make changes in direction smoothly. Always keep at least one hand on the wheel. Do not use a mobile ‘phone while driving.
  
  Combat Fatigue
  Remain alert and combat fatigue by making sure you are not tired before you start your journey. Take frequent rest breaks. Get out of the car and walk around before continuing. Share the driving if other drivers are available and legal. Do not continue beyond your safety limit.
  
  Allow Sufficient Journey Time
  Leave sufficient time for your journey allowing for traffic and weather conditions. Leaving late tends to result in excessive speed, fines and accidents.
  
  Reversing
  Follow the safety rules for reversing:-
  
• When parking, reverse in to the space if at all possible. You normally have more time to spare when you arrive than when you leave.
• Travel backwards only a sufficient distance to enable you to complete the planned manoeuvre
• Move slowly.
• Scan as you reverse.
• If your vision is obscured ask someone to assist you.

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