Safe Driving Tips for driver training

Before start-up

Blinkers: refers to the turn signal lights on a car. They are usually at the front and back of a car and on the side-view mirrors of the car

It is wise to do a simple safety check before driving the car. Turn the lights on and check that all lights are working. Ensure your blinkers are fully functional. Inspect the vehicle for any fluid leaks or things hanging from the car. Keep a few pieces of cleaning cloth in the car. And lastly, check your tyre pressure to determine if you need a fill-up and ensure you have a spare tyre ready in the trunk.

When you enter your car, adjust all the mirrors and seats before starting the vehicle. Sit in the driver's seat and adjust it so you can easily access the steering wheel, pedals and gear-shift. Manoeuvre the rear-view mirror so that you can see directly out of the back windshield from where you're sitting. Adjust the side-view mirrors accordingly: on the right-hand side mirror, you should be able to see the road behind you and almost the side of the car; lean to your left and adjust that mirror in the same way.

Always leave early! Aim to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time at the venue. Speeding does not mean you will be there on time. Instead, it will likely be the cause for you not arriving at all.

Protect yourself

Always wear your seatbelt for yourself and your family.

Drive with your headlights switched on in the night. Meaning they should be turned on 30 minutes after sunset and stay on until 30 minutes before sunrise. They help to see the roads better and warn other drivers of another moving vehicle on the road.

When there is a stop sign or if the light has turned red at a signal, it is your duty to stop. Always look left, then right, straight ahead, before proceeding.

In case of a zebra crossing, stop right at the line so that people can cross the road comfortably. If people, especially women, children or the elderly, are waiting to cross the street, stop and give them way to ensure their safe passage across the road.

Keep an eye on the sides of the road and check your rear-view mirror every 6-8 seconds.

The etiquette for two-lane roads that allow parking on the right is to stay in the centre line to leave room for someone to open their door. Therefore, you will avoid having to swerve to miss an opening door.

On a multiple lane road, the left lanes are for passing only. If you are not actively passing a vehicle, stay in the right lanes, allowing others to pass.

There should be at least a 4-second space between you and them when travelling behind other vehicles to avoid accidents.

Avoid the four No-Zones with trucks or buses; these are their blind spots, so your car won’t be visible to them, therefore, making driving next to, in front or behind them dangerous. Give trucks a wide berth no matter what side of them you're driving on.

Someone once said, "If the roads are wet, then drive like it's snowing. If the roads have snow, then drive like they're icy. If the roads are icy, then don't drive" (Anson, 2011). Driving in the rain can be dangerous, so go slower than usual. If you need to reduce your speed or stop, then brake slowly. Avoid sudden movements on a wet road because you may lose control of your car.

Keep braking distance and stopping distance in mind while driving. Doubling your speed means the braking distance increases by 4. Also, remember the heavier your car, the greater the stopping distance.

Assume that other drivers will make mistakes and always stay prepared. For example, the car next to you may break the signal, so think about how to react. Never intentionally cause an accident, even if someone did not give you the right of way.

Keep a car tool kit in the trunk or glove compartment. The essential car tools include a car jack, screwdrivers, plyers, spanners and a spare fuse.

Security

Check your oil and other fluid levels whenever you refuel. Inspect the engine compartment for stains and residue that are a sign of leakage.

Don't use your phone while driving. Phones distract you from the road and increase the chance of an accident by 400%. If necessary, pull over to a safe, well-lit parking spot, then use your phone. Once done with the phone, proceed on your way.

For your and the vehicle's safety, give an itinerary to someone at the office or home while travelling. It should include travel route, Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) and a contact number at your destination. Inform your at-home contact of any changes to this plan. When travelling long distances, check in regularly throughout the trip with a current location. These small details can help narrow the search should something go wrong and communication is impossible.

If your car stalls, immediately turn on your hazard lights and try to get to the side of the road. If that is not possible, then stay where you are and do not leave your vehicle. Call your preferred mechanic or a towing company and wait for them to arrive.

Keep all necessary emergency contacts, personal and medical information in an easily accessible place inside the car.

When approached by an emergency vehicle, turn on your hazard lights check your mirrors to ensure the left lanes are clear and start pulling over to the left side of the road.