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Safe Driving Tips

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Whether you're a new driver or one with years of experience, you can benefit from reviewing these safe driving tips:

  • Before proceeding in your vehicle, be sure you're safe to do so by Be checking your mirrors and around your car.
  • Slow down as you approach an intersection and look carefully for traffic, yield signs, stop signs, traffic lights, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • As you come to a crossing, slow down, listen and look both ways before crossing the tracks.
  • If a train is coming, stop at least five meters from the nearest rail or gate. Do not cross the track until you are sure the train or trains have passed.
  • Avoid shifting gears on a railway crossing.
  • If you get trapped on a crossing, immediately get out of the vehicle and move quickly from the track and vehicle to a safe location. Contact the police.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stress and fatigue can affect your driving ability. Your thinking slows down. You can miss seeing things, you may make the wrong decision or not make the right one fast enough.
  • Never drive when you are upset or angry. Strong emotions can reduce your ability to think and react quickly, or make you more aggressive with other road users.
  • Communicate with other road users to make sure they see you and know what you are doing. Catch the eye of pedestrians and drivers at intersections. If you want to get another person's attention, use your horn.
  • Stay alert when driving at night, and whenever weather conditions reduce your visibility Motorcycles use a full lane; treat them like other vehicles when driving.
  • A safe following distance is at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This lets you see around the vehicle ahead and gives you enough distance to stop suddenly.
  • Many motorcycle collisions occur between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., so take extra caution at these times Be extra cautious when turning left in front of a motorcycle. It's difficult to judge their speed and their turn signal may be accidentally left on as they don't automatically shut off.

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