Van Driver Toolkit – Driving Safely

Did you know?

  • Tailgating is one of the causes of road rage and police have powers to issue on the spot fixed penalties for inconsiderate lane use (including hogging the middle lane).
  • Penalties range from a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points to a driving ban or prison sentence, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
  • A driver should not use their horn in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 07:00am.
Patience is important and drivers should always keep calm. Looking far enough ahead and anticipating traffic manoeuvres provides careful drivers with more time to react accordingly. Eating, drinking and reading maps and guides should be carried out only when the vehicle is parked. Best Practice Tips
  • Always be aware of your vehicle’s road position.
  • Always keep left unless overtaking.
  • Signal clearly all intentions for all vehicle manoeuvres.
  • Pull into a safe place to let other drivers pass if queues build up behind you.
  • Drive courteously and safely around pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. Be extra-cautious, especially when visibility is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls and in poor weather conditions.
  • Adhere to the road rules.
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front is essential to ensure adequate reaction and braking time should they suddenly stop. Remember the 2 second rule, to ensure you have adequate space between you and the vehicle in front “Only a fool breaks the 2 second rule”. If it is wet, visibility is less, or when towing a trailer, increase the time to 4 seconds. When being followed by an emergency services vehicle, a driver must pull over and let them pass. When being followed by a police officer who wants you to stop, they will indicate this by flashing their lights and signalling with their left indicator. Drivers must find a safe place to pull over as soon as safe and legal to do so.

Provider: Driving for Better Business, National Highways
Resource Type: Web link

View Resource
X