Road Safety Rules and Signs

Road Signs and Their Meanings

• "Return to your side of the road" indicates to keep left.
• "Tanker Carrying Dangerous Goods" warns of vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

Vehicle Safety in Emergencies

• If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel, drive out if it's safe; otherwise, stop immediately.

Tire Regulations

• The legal minimum tread depth for car tires is 1.6mm.

Driving Techniques

• Coasting down a hill is discouraged as it can lead to increased speed.
• It is crucial to not wave pedestrians across at crossings, as it may confuse other drivers and pose risks.

Towing Guidelines

• On a three-lane motorway, there are restrictions on towing, primarily concerning lane usage.

Situational Awareness

• Use mirrors to assess how actions affect traffic behind when facing a hazard.

Seatbelt Regulations

• Seatbelts should always be worn, with very specific exceptions that do not include short distances or discomfort.

Overtaking Precautions

• Allow extra room when overtaking cyclists on windy days, as strong winds can cause them to veer unexpectedly.

Insurance Understanding

• An excess of £500 in insurance means you must pay the first £500 of any claim.

Speed Regulations

• Reduced speed limits could be due to school zones, construction, or road hazards such as crossroads.

Junction Handling with Tow

• When towing a car at a junction, wait until it’s clear on both sides before turning.

Traffic Signals

• At a puffin crossing, after the green light, the following color is steady amber.

Dealing with Close Following Vehicles

• If being closely followed by another vehicle, gradually increase the gap by slowing down, not by speeding up.

Safe Overtaking Locations

• Avoid overtaking at junctions, parking lots, and other high-risk areas.

Signage and Distances

• The "On a school bus" sign is found specifically on school buses.
• Warning triangles should be placed at least 30 meters from a broken-down vehicle on a two-way road.

Roundabout Indicators

• A white sign with a green background approaching a roundabout typically indicates its distance, such as 200 yards ahead.