DEFENSIVE DRIVING

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The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive Defensively.  

Please start with a very important safety device: Buckle up. Defensive driving really means "be ready for anything." On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means "always expect the unexpected."

 Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Think of what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.  

Expect children to dash out from behind parked vehicles often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked vehicles to open doors into oncoming traffic. Watch for movement in parked vehicle -- someone may be about to open a door.

Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a "through" street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready. 

Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. 

Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of crashes. Yet they are common. Allowing enough following distance is the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly.

 Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task such as using a cellular phone, reading, or reaching for something on the floor  makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE & SAFETY

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Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers are all working. Also

• lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear
• windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision
• lights MUST be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users. Extra attention needs to be paid to this if the vehicle is heavily loaded
• exhaust emissions MUST NOT exceed prescribed levels
• ensure your seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors are adjusted correctly before you drive
• items of luggage are securely stowed.

Warning Displays 

Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing.

• When you turn the ignition key, warning lights will be illuminated but will go out when the engine starts (except the handbrake warning light). If they do not, or if they come on whilst you are driving, stop and investigate the problem, as you could have a serious fault.
• If the charge warning light comes on while you are driving, it may mean that the battery isn't charging. This must also be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical systems.

Tyres

Tyres MUST be correctly inflated and be free from certain cuts and other defects.
Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles MUST have a tread depth of at least 1mm across three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference. Mopeds should have visible tread.

 If a tyre bursts while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.

If you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk - otherwise call a breakdown service.

Tyre Pressures.

Check weekly. Do this before your journey, when tyres are cold. Warm or hot tyres may give a misleading reading.

Your brakes and steering will be adversely affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Excessive or uneven tyre wear may be caused by faults in the braking or suspension systems, or wheels which are out of alignment. Have these faults corrected as soon as possible.

Fluid Levels

Check the fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and an accident. Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights if your vehicle has them fitted. 

Other Problems 

If your vehicle

• pulls to one side when braking, it is most likely to be a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Consult a garage or mechanic immediately
• continues to bounce after pushing down on the front or rear, its shock absorbers are worn. Worn shock absorbers can seriously affect the operation of a vehicle and should be replaced
• smells of anything unusual such as burning rubber, petrol or electrical; investigate immediately. Do not risk a fire.

Overheated Engines or Fire

Most engines are water cooled. If your engine overheats you should wait until it has cooled naturally. Only then remove the coolant filler cap and add water or other coolant.

If your vehicle catches fire, get the occupants out of the vehicle quickly and to a safe place. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare. Call the fire brigade.

Petrol Stations

Never smoke or use a mobile phone on the forecourt of petrol stations as these are major fire risks and could cause an explosion

VEHICLE SECURITY

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When you leave your vehicle you should

• remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock
• lock the car, even if you only leave it for a few minutes
• close the windows completely
• never leave children or pets in an unventilated car
• take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot.

Remember, for all a thief knows a carrier bag may contain valuables. Never leave vehicle documents in the car.

For extra security fit an anti-theft device such as an alarm or immobiliser. If you are buying a new car it is a good idea to check the level of built-in security features. Consider having your registration number etched on all your car windows. This is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves.

  CONTROL OF A VEHICLE

 You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. These are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the four places where the tires meet the road.

 Braking

 Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That's perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That's reaction time.

 Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that's only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 97 kph travels 66 feet (41 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency. So keeping enough space between your vehicle and others' vehicles is important.

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it's pavement or gravel, for example); the condition of the road (wet, dry); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes.  

Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overtax the braking system with poor driving habits. Some tips on using your brakes wisely: 

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking - rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy breaking.  

Don't "ride" the brakes. Some drivers let the left foot rest very lightly on the brake pedal while driving. This is a bad practice.

FIRST AID ON THE ROAD

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 In the event of an accident, you can do a number of things to help, even if you have had no training 

1. Deal with danger
Further collisions and fire are the main dangers following an accident. Approach any vehicle involved with care. Switch off all engines and, if possible, warn other traffic. Stop anyone from smoking. 

2. Get help
Try to get the assistance of bystanders. Get someone to call the appropriate emergency services as soon as possible. They will need to know the exact location of the accident and the number of vehicles involved.  

3. Help those involved
DO NOT move casualties still in vehicles unless further danger is threatened. DO NOT remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential. DO NOT give the casualty anything to eat or drink. DO try to make them comfortable and avoid unnecessary movement. DO give reassurance confidently to the casualty. They may be shocked but prompt treatment will minimise this.

 4. Provide emergency care Follow the ABC of First aid

 A is for Airway - check for and relieve any obstruction to breathing. Remove any obvious obstruction in the mouth. Breathing may begin and colour improve.

 B is for Breathing - if breathing does not begin when the airway has been cleared, lift the chin and tilt the head very gently backwards. Pinch the casualty's nostrils and blow into the mouth until the chest rises; withdraw, then repeat regularly once every four seconds until the casualty can breathe unaided.

 C is for Circulation - prevent blood loss to maintain circulation. If bleeding is present apply firm hand pressure over the wound, preferably using some clean material, without pressing on any foreign body in the wound. Secure a pad with a bandage or length of cloth. Raise the limb to lessen the bleeding, provided it is not broken.

 5. Be prepared
Always carry a first aid kit. You could save a life by learning emergency aid and first aid from a qualified organisation.

BREAKDOWNS

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 If your vehicle breaks down, think first of other road users and

• get your vehicle off the road if possible
• warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
• put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing them, but never use them on motorways
• keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
• do not stand (or let anybody else stand), between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
• at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights.

Additional advice for road users

If you are involved in an accident or stop to give assistance

• Use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic
• Ask drivers to switch off their engines and stop smoking
• Arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately with full details of the accident location and any casualties.
•  If you use a mobile phone, first make sure you have identified your location, then move uninjured people away from the vehicles to safety; on a motorway this should, if possible, be well away from the traffic, the hard shoulder.
• Be prepared to give first aid as shown above.
• Report the accident to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours.

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

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Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tyre to road traction isn't as good as on dry roads. If your tyres don't have much tread left, you'll get even less traction.  

It's always wise to go slower and be cautious if it starts to rain while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. 

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. Road spray can often be worse for vision than rain, especially if it comes from a dirty road.  

So it is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Keep your windows clean inside. This will make them less likely to fog up. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.  

Driving too fast through large water puddles, or even going through some car washes, can cause problems too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles, but if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that your vehicle can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. 

You might not be aware of hydroplaning. You could drive along for some time without realising your tyres aren't in constant contact with the road. You could find out the hard way; when you have to slow, turn, move out to pass - or if you get hit by a gust of wind. You could suddenly find yourself out of control. 

Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can if your tyres haven't much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be hydroplaning.  

Hydroplaning usually happens on higher speed roads. There just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining, and be careful.  

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips 

Turn on your headlights -- not just your parking lights -- to help make you more visible to others.

Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming from behind. What you see through the rearview mirrors may be distorted by raindrops on the outside mirror and rear window.  

You may want to use your headlights even in daytime if it's raining hard.  

Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. If the road spray is so heavy you are actually blinded, drop back. Don't pass until conditions improve. Going more slowly is better than having an accident.  

Use your defogger if it helps.  

Have good tires with proper tread depth.

Source: GM Motors Corporation.

DRIVING AT NIGHT

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 Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired - by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.  

Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively. Remember, this is the most dangerous time.  

Don't drink and drive.  

Since you can't see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other cars.  

Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Even your halogen-beam headlights can light up only so much road ahead.  

Keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles. It's hard to tell how fast the vehicle ahead is going just by looking at its taillights.  

Source: GM Motors Corporation 

Night Vision 

No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old needs. 

What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. 

Sunglasses should not be worn at night when you are driving. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible that should remain visible - such as parked cars, obstacles, pedestrians, or even trains that are blocking railway crossings. You may want to put on your sunglasses after you have pulled into brightly-lighted service or refreshment area. Eyes shielded from that glare may adjust more quickly to darkness back on the road. But be sure to remove your sunglasses before you leave the service area.  

The eyes can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can take a second or two or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn't lower the high beams or a vehicle with misaimed headlights) slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. If there is a line of opposing traffic, make occasional glances over the line of headlights to make certain that one of the vehicles isn't starting to move into your lane. Once you are past the bright lights, give your eyes time to readjust before resuming speed.  

High Beams 

If the car approaching you has its high beams on, signal by flicking yours to high and then back to low beam. This is the usual signal to lower the headlight beams. If the other driver still doesn't lower the beams, resist the temptation to put your high beams on. This only makes two half-blinded drivers. 

On a freeway, use your high beams only in remote areas where you won't impair approaching drivers or drivers right in front of you. In some places, like cities, using high beams is illegal. 

When you follow another vehicle on a freeway or highway, use low beams. Most vehicles now have day-night mirrors that enable the driver to reduce glare. But outside mirrors are not of this type and high beams from a following vehicle often bother the leading driver. 

A Few More Night Driving Suggestions  

Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean - inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass surfaces very filmy and can be a vision hazard if it's left there. 

Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. You might even want to keep a cloth and some glass cleaner in your vehicle if you need to clean your glass frequently.

Remember that your headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. 

Keep your eyes moving; that way, it's easier to pick out dimly lit objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness - the inability to see in dim light - and aren't even aware of it. Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean  

Source: GM Motors Corporation

SAFETY BELTS: They are for Everyone

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CAUTION: Don't let anyone ride where he or she can't wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you're not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers' belts are fastened properly too.

CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.  

REASONS FOR WEARING SEAT BELT

You never know if you'll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don't know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn't survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. 

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!  

Why Safety Belts Work      

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

	Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it's just a seat on wheels.
	Put someone on it.
	Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.
	The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield…or the instrument panel…
	or the safety belts!

 With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense. 

Questions and Answers about Safety Belts  

Q: Won't I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I'm wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you're wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you're upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.  

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you're in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That's true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

Q: If I'm a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you're in an accident -- even one that isn't your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn't protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.  

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly  

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies..  

Driver Position  

Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here's how to wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don't let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.  

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. 

The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won't give nearly as much protection this way.

CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

   

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

 

 Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.   

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.  

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

Safety Belt Use during Pregnancy 

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don't wear safety belts. 

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. 

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it's more likely that the fetus won't be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.  

Right Front Passenger Position 

The right front passenger's safety belt works the same way as the driver's safety belt except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.  

Source: GM Motors Corporation

 

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Occasionally, motorists have found themselves in unpleasant situations involving abusive gestures or language from another driver who takes issue with how they drive. Anxiety and frustration can quickly spark an aggressive or careless driver who tailgates, speeds, fails to yield the right of way among other behaviours.

Aggressive driving behaviour may lead to incidents of road rage where motorists have been threatened and/or subjected to retaliatory actions by angry motorists.

If people drive responsibly they will reduce the chances of conflict on the road and help make our roads safer. Experts recommend the following tips to help avoid road conflicts:

·         Plan your route in advance. Some of the most erratic and inconsiderate driving occurs when motorists are lost;

·         Make a conscious decision not to take your problems with you when driving;

·         Combat the warning signs of stress by getting fresh air and breathing deeply and slowly. Listen to relaxing music;

·         Avoid long drives if you can. If you take a long trip, stop every few hours for a rest. Before and during a long drive, avoid heavy meals which tend to make a person lethargic;

·         Drive in a courteous and considerate manner. Give way at busy intersections and where traffic lanes merge;

·         Don’t compete or retaliate. If someone’s driving annoys you, don’t try to “educate them”. Leave traffic enforcement to the police;

·         Don’t take other driver’s mistakes personally;

·         Avoid honking your horn unless absolutely necessary and, if you must, tap on it lightly;

·         Say, “Sorry” if you make a mistake. An apology can reduce the risk of conflict;

·         If you are being physically threatened, stay in your car and lock the doors. If you have a cell phone call the police. Use your horn and lights to attract attention;

·         If you think you are being followed, do not drive home. Go to a police station or a busy public place;

·         Don’t carry a defensive weapon, it might provoke a potential assailant.

 Source: Ministry of Transport, Ontario

 

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Constant yawning, a nod of the head, heavy eyelids, blurred vision and wandering while driving are some of the warning signs that you may be on the verge of falling asleep at the wheel.

When you are sleepy, your brain starts to shut down. Driving when you are sleepy is dangerous. It reduces your ability to drive effectively and to think quickly. Your reaction time is slower, awareness is decreased, and judgement is impaired. Often the actions of fatigued drivers are confused with drivers who had been drinking. The consequences can be just as fatal.

The following tips can help you avoid falling asleep at the wheel:

Get adequate and quality sleep before a trip;

Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods;

Beware of medications that can impair your driving ability;

Limit long distance driving – stop at least every two hours – and rest;

Stop at a safe place and take a nap. Wait at least 10 minutes after waking up to see how alert you are. If you don’t feel any more alert, don’t drive. Find a place to sleep for an hour or for the night;

If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when necessary. Talk with passengers but not to the point of distraction;

Keep the temperature cool in your vehicle. Keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors often.

Avoid caffeine-type drinks like coffee or cola. They provide a short-term boost, however, if you are seriously sleep deprived, no amount of caffeine will help. It’s best to stay off the road.

If possible, avoid driving during the peak drowsy times – from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m..

See your doctor if you are prone to constant sleepiness. Recognize the signs, know the dangers, and reduce your risks of driving when drowsy.

Source: Ministry of Transport, Ontario

         

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The length and width of large trucks can create special driving situations for both small and large vehicle drivers. Often it is a lack of understanding by small vehicle drivers of large trucks that can lead to collisions. To share the road with a truck means being aware of its capabilities and limitations. The following suggestions can help drivers share the road comfortably and safely.

At intersections, drivers of long trucks that are turning right may move into the left lane to avoid hitting the curb as they turn. If you ignore the truck’s turn signals and pull up on its right side, you may be squeezed between the truck and the curb as it makes the turn.

Most trucks need a longer distance to stop. Signal your intentions well before turning, slowing or stopping to give trucks behind you more time to brake.

When stopped, especially going uphill, a truck may roll back farther than a car when the driver releases the brake and engages the clutch. Leave at least one car length between your vehicle and the truck ahead and stay slightly to the left of your lane so you can be seen in the truck driver’s mirror.

Be visible. Stay out of a truck’s blind spots, typically to the sides and back. Truck drivers rely on their mirrors to see what’s happening in these areas. Never follow so closely that a truck driver cannot see your vehicle in the mirrors. If you can’t see the driver in the mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you.

When passing trucks, do not stay alongside for too long a time. Pass as quickly and safely as possible and don’t cut in front of a truck too closely.

Never drive or walk around the back of a truck when it is reversing. You may be in the driver’s blind spot and you may be unknowingly hit by the truck.

When meeting or passing a truck on a highway, stay as far away from it—in your lane—as you can to avoid the wind pressure created at high speeds.

Source: Ministry of Transport, Ontario

 

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A cellular phone in your vehicle can be an important safety aid for drivers—whether for reporting a crime, a collision or for personal safety. But, a cell phone should not be a driving distraction.

Drivers should avoid using their cell phone while driving except in an emergency. Police can charge drivers with careless driving if they do not pay full attention to the driving task.

Consider the following important points on using a cell phone safely:

New cell phone users, refer to the manufacturer's instructions on operating the phone. Make sure you are comfortable and familiar with its features before taking with you on the road.

If you must use the cell phone, safely pull over to the side of the road. Remember, taking your hands off the wheel to use a cell phone is dangerous.

If you have to respond to an emergency while driving, use speed dial features and a hands-free kit.

Never take notes while driving. Again, pull over to the side of the road. If your cell phone has voice mail, let the caller leave a message. If there is a passenger in the vehicle, have them make or receive a call.

Keep calls as brief as possible. Alert the caller that you are on the road.

Be alert to situations on the road where a cell phone's radio frequency and electronics may be potentially harmful such as: construction zones where blasting is occurring, or at gas stations/fuelling areas.

 
Remember, focus on the task of driving, with your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Reduce the distractions that may cause you to overreact or respond too slowly to a situation.

Source: Ministry of Transport, Ontario

  

ROAD SAFETY LAWS 

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Be knowledgeable about  - ROAD SAFETY LAWS

With many separate driving offences in Nigeria, it can be easier to break driving laws than you might think especially if one is not well informed about road safety rules and regulations. However, ignorance cannot be regarded as an excuse on such an important issue as safety because your lack of knowledge may be a threat to the lives of other road users. 

Knowing and applying the rules of the road safety is a collective responsibility. Any responsible road user should put in the extra effort to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers and other road users