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Would you like to be a safer driver? Following these tips will help.
- Stay within all posted speed limits
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Speed limits exist to protect all road users - especially vulnerable ones.
It is not difficult to adhere to the speed limit. It is a fundamental skill that
is taught to all learner drivers. It should be even easier for more experienced drivers.
Here are
a number of tips from ROSPA for staying within the limit.
- Drive considerately at all times
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Be considerate to all road users at all times.
Considerate parking is actually a part of considerate driving. Do not park illegally or in any way
that causes an unneccessary obstruction. Do not park in disabled bays unless you have a disabled badge.
- Passing vulnerable road users
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When passing vulnerable road users proceed slowly and give them plenty of space.
If you are unable to pass and leave plenty of space then wait patiently until you are able to do so.
When you do have opportunity to pass try not to accelerate hard as this can be unnerving to some.
- Never use a mobile phone whilst driving
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Using a mobile phone whilst driving increases the risk of an accident. If you are
concentrating on a conversation you are not concentrating on the road ahead. The effect
of using any mobile phone whilst driving may be worse than that of a person who is
legally drunk (news item).
- Avoid tailgating
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Avoid driving too close to the vehicle in front (tailgating). It is a dangerous practice
that can cause accidents. It frequently intimidates and unnerves the driver in front.
In free flowing traffic the minimum gap between vehicles should be no less than 2 full car lengths.
- Always use your indicators
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Always indicate a change of direction by using your indicators. The use of indicators makes
driving easier for other road users. They reduce the chances of an accident by helping catch the eye
of other motorists. They are also observed by vulnerable road users and help them decide upon a course of
action (e.g. crossing a road).
- Slow for bends
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Slow down for bends in the road - especially blind ones. There could be a slow moving or even stationary
vehicle just around the bend.
It can be quite intimidating to a vulnerable road user to hear a motor vehicle approaching at speed -
especially from behind.
- Use lights
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In bad weather or poor visibility turn on your lights. If the conditions are not too bad then side lights
should be sufficient. This will make you more visible to other road users reducing the chances of an accident.
Drivers of high vehicles should be aware that if they drive too close at night to the car in front
on a dark road they are likely to be dazzling the driver.
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