Attitude

Safe driving is all about developing the correct attitude and approach together with a

sound knowledge of driving techniques.

However good, fast or expensive your vehicle, it’s you, the driver, who determines

how safe it is.

Consideration

Be considerate to other road users. Other types of vehicle, cyclists and horse riders

have just as much right to use the road as you. Don’t drive in a competitive way,

people who do this cause an increased risk for everyone on the road.

Horses become frightened easily and the rider could lose control. When

passing them

• keep your speed right down

• give them plenty of room.

Take care if there are animals, such as sheep, on the road. Stop and switch off your

engine if necessary or if you’re asked to do so.

If you’re driving a slow-moving vehicle, consider the other drivers behind you. If

there’s a long queue

• pull over as soon as you can do so safely

• let the traffic pass.

Try to be considerate. Think how you would feel if you were one of the following

drivers. They may not be as patient as you are.

Help other road users by signalling correctly and taking up the correct position at

junctions. For instance, if you want to turn right, get into the right-hand lane. A badly

positioned vehicle could prevent following vehicles proceeding.

Following safely

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front

• in good, dry conditions leave a two-second gap

• in wet weather leave four seconds.

Tailgating – driving too close to the vehicle in front – is

• very dangerous

• intimidating for the driver in front.

Keep well back, especially from a large vehicle. You’ll be able to see further down

the road and therefore be prepared for any hazards.

If the driver behind is following too closely, gradually increase the gap between you

and the vehicle in front. This will give you a greater safety margin.

If another driver cuts in front of you, drop back to maintain your correct

separation distance.

Courtesy

Be patient with other road users. Be aware that not everyone obeys the rules. Try to

be calm and tolerant, however difficult it seems. For instance, if a vehicle pulls out in

front of you at a junction, slow down, don’t get annoyed with them.

Only sound your horn if there’s danger and you need to let others know you’re

there. Don’t sound it through impatience.

At night, don’t dazzle other drivers. Dip your lights when you’re

• following another vehicle

• meeting another vehicle.

If you’re queuing in traffic at night, use your handbrake. Keeping your foot on the

brake could dazzle the drivers behind you.

Priority

Give priority to emergency vehicles. It’s important for them to proceed quickly

through traffic. Someone’s life might depend on it. Pull over to let them through as

soon as you can do so safely.

As well as the normal fire, police and ambulance, the following services may use a

blue flashing light:

• coastguard

• bomb disposal

• mountain rescue

• blood transfusion.

Doctors may use green flashing lights.

Give priority to buses pulling out from bus stops, as long as you can do so safely. In

some areas, bus lanes allow buses to proceed quickly through traffic. Be aware of

road signs and markings so you don’t use bus lanes while they’re in operation.

At unmarked crossroads no-one has priority. Slow down and look both ways before

pulling out.

Watch out for pedestrians at or approaching a zebra crossing:

• be prepared to slow down and stop

• be patient if they’re a bit slow

• don’t encourage them to cross by waving or flashing your headlights – there may

be another vehicle coming.

If you’re approaching a pelican crossing and the amber light is flashing

• give way to pedestrians on the crossing

• don’t move off until the crossing is clear.

Puffin crossings are electronically controlled. Sensors mean the red light stays on

until the person has reached a safe position. There’s no flashing amber phase – the

sequence follows normal traffic lights.

Toucan crossings allow cyclists to cross at the same time as pedestrians.

FAQs

Why do large vehicles ‘hog’ the road?

Larger vehicles need more room to manoeuvre. This will affect their position when

approaching junctions, especially when turning left. Keep well back and don’t try to

pass them on the left as the rear of the vehicle will cut in.

A large vehicle is trying to overtake me, but is taking a long time,

what should I do?

Slow down and let them pass. They will need more time than a car to pass you.

What do I do if I’m travelling at the speed limit and a driver comes

up behind flashing their headlights or trying to overtake?

Keep a steady course and allow them to overtake. Don’t try to stop them, they

could become more frustrated.

I’m never too sure when I should flash my headlights.

Only flash your headlights to show other road users you’re there. It’s not a signal to

show priority or impatience, nor to greet others.