Always Be Checking
Remember, good habits are the foundation of safe driving.
Checking Your vehicle:
Check the car’s lights, levels and tyres according to the handbook. Ideally, at least once a week but you may have to do it more often depending on the amount of driving you do.
If it’s your car and no one else has driven it everything will be already set up for you but if other people have been driving the car, don’t forget to make adjustments before setting off.
Don’t forget to check your seat belt with a sharp tug.
When you turn on the ignition check your warning lights and gauges.
As the engine comes on, have a hand on the steering wheel and should it go soft, you know the steering will do its job.
Checking Your Driving:
Remember driving is largely a matter of looking and routines, if you don’t see it, how can you deal with it?
Looking:
- Look ahead
- The faster you move, the further ahead you look
- Look ahead of the vehicle in front
- Position yourself to see ahead
- Look all around
- Look close, middle and far
- Look to the sides, especially for pedestrians and cyclists
- Look for movement
- Look for clues
- Use reflections
- Look through windows
- Look over, under and to the sides of vehicles
- Keep looking
- ALWAYS BE CHECKING
- Mirrors
- Use your mirrors before changing speed and or direction
- Don’t forget your blind spots
- Understand the difference in distance when using your mirrors
Check Your Routines:
Your (good) driving routines will help keep you safe. If you can practice them naturally, then you can concentrate on what’s going on around you.
Remember ALWAYS BE CHECKING
