Road Safety Rules and Vehicle Control

Road Safety and Rules

• When overtaking a long, slow-moving vehicle, keep well back until you can see it is clear.
• Never use a hand-held telephone while driving, and only use a hands-free phone when it's safe to do so.
• Be aware of pedestrians and slow down or give way when necessary.

Vehicle Control

• When approaching a humpback bridge, slow down.
• Select a lower gear and use the brakes carefully when controlling speed on a steep hill.
• Keep well to the left when approaching a right-hand bend.
• Use your mirrors and look around for a final check before moving off safely from a parked position.

Stopping and Parking

• Slow down and be ready to stop when approaching a pedestrian crossing.
• Stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at a pedestrian crossing.
• Do not park in a bus stop or very close to it.

Signage

• Circular signs with a red border give orders.
• Triangular signs give warnings.
• Signs with a blue background give mandatory instructions.
• Sign number 15 means "no motor vehicles".
• Sign number 51 means "roundabout".
• Sign number 28 means "no stopping".

Hazard Awareness

• Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, especially when turning left into a side road.
• Be aware of pedestrians and children when reversing into a side road.
• Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists when driving in a one-way street.
• Be aware of slow-moving vehicles, such as buses, and give way when necessary.

Emergency Procedures

• If involved in a road accident, stop at the scene of the accident.
• If someone is unconscious, check their airways and breathing, and stop any heavy bleeding.
• Always wear suitable shoes when driving to maintain safe control of the pedals.

Vehicles and Loads

• Check that your vehicle is roadworthy and not overloaded.
• Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition.
• Carry a heavy load on your roof rack securely fastened with suitable restraints.
• A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce stability.

Insurance and Accident Procedures

• Third-party insurance covers damage to other vehicles and injury to others.
• If involved in a road accident, exchange details with the other driver, including name, address, and insurance details.
• Report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

Medical Emergencies

• If someone is injured, keep them calm and still, and try to stop any bleeding.
• If someone is unconscious, check their airways and breathing, and stop any heavy bleeding.

Miscellaneous

• Do not wear attire that may obstruct your view while driving.
• Wear suitable glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
• Be aware of your own physical and mental condition before driving.
• Take regular breaks on long journeys to stay alert.### Road Safety and Rules
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• Use your mirrors regularly, especially when approaching hazards or changing direction.
• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially when following large vehicles or on wet roads.
• Use your brakes gently and smoothly, and avoid sudden stops.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

• ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up, allowing you to steer and control the vehicle while braking.
• ABS is most effective when braking excessively or on uneven road surfaces.

Road Signs and Markings

• Warning signs are triangular with a red border and white interior, and indicate potential hazards.
• Regulatory signs are circular with a red border and white interior, and indicate rules or restrictions.
• Guide signs are rectangular with a blue or green background, and provide direction or information.
• Road markings, such as lines and arrows, help guide traffic and indicate lane usage.

Junctions and Intersections

• Always slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching a junction or intersection.
• Look for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, and be prepared to yield or give way.
• Use your signals to indicate your intentions, and make sure it is safe to proceed before doing so.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

• Always be aware of pedestrians, especially children, elderly, and disabled individuals.
• Anticipate pedestrian behavior, and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Cyclists may be more difficult to see, so be extra cautious when approaching junctions or intersections.

Safety Precautions

• Avoid driving when tired, and take regular breaks on long journeys.
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained, including regular checks on brakes, tyres, and oil.
• Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure passengers are securely fastened.

Special Situations

• When driving in fog, use low-beam headlights and reduce speed.
• When driving in windy conditions, be prepared for unexpected gusts and keep a firm grip on the wheel.
• When driving in construction zones, reduce speed and be aware of workers and equipment.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Regularly check and maintain your vehicle's tyre pressure, oil, and brakes.
• Keep your vehicle clean and free of obstructions, including windscreen and mirrors.

Emergency Procedures

• In the event of a breakdown or collision, move to a safe location and call for assistance.
• Provide basic first aid and care for injured individuals, and do not attempt to move them unless necessary.

Additional Tips

• Always drive defensively, anticipating the actions of other road users.
• Be aware of your own limitations and abilities, and do not take unnecessary risks.
• Stay informed about road conditions, weather, and traffic updates.### Road Safety
• When parking on a foggy road, switch on dipped headlights to be visible to other road users.

Motorway Rules

• You can only stop on a motorway in an emergency or breakdown.
• If you are being overtaken by a long, heavily laden truck, slow down to let it overtake safely.

Traffic Signs

• Sign 80 means "speed bumps".
• Sign 57 means "two-way traffic crosses one-way street".
• Sign 9 means "no entry".
• Sign 28 means "no stopping".
• Sign 51 means "roundabout".
• Sign 43 means "crossroads".
• Sign 52 means "uneven road".
• Sign 55 means "road narrows on the right".
• Sign 73 means "quayside or riverbank".
• Sign 67 means "humpback bridge".
• Sign 15 means "no motor vehicles".
• Sign 31 means "one-way traffic".
• Sign 70 means "water across the road".
• Sign 5 means "national speed limit applies".
• Sign 7 means "give way".
• Sign 66 means "pedestrians crossing ahead".
• Sign 32 means "ahead only".
• Sign 49 means "double bend ahead".
• Sign 62 means "steep hill downwards".
• Sign 68 means "tunnel".
• Sign 71 means "hazardous pedestrians".

Driving Techniques

• Use your mirrors and look around for a final check before moving off safely.
• Brake lightly, then harder as you begin to stop, then ease off just before stopping to brake safely.
• When reversing, get out of the car and check properly.
• When turning right, take up the correct position in good time to help other road users know what you intend to do.
• Drive smoothly to avoid increasing journey times.
• When following a motorcyclist, allow extra room in case they swerve to avoid potholes.
• When approaching a mini roundabout, keep well back if a long vehicle signals left but positions over to the right.
• When towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side, ease off the accelerator to reduce speed.
• When carrying a heavy load, increase the pressure in your tyres above the normal value.

Vehicle Safety

• If your vehicle keeps bouncing after you sharply press down on your brake pedal or as you drive around a corner or bend in the road, your shock absorbers are worn.
• Check your vehicle before making a long motorway journey, as continuous high speeds increase the risk of your vehicle breaking down.
• Ensure a load is carried on your roof rack securely fastened with suitable restraints.

Environmental Awareness

• Drive smoothly to help the environment by reducing fuel consumption.
• Anticipate well ahead to reduce the damage your vehicle causes to the environment.

Emergency Procedures

• If an instrument panel warning light comes on while you are driving, check out the problem quickly and safely.
• If you are driving on a motorway and have to slow down suddenly due to a hazard ahead, switch on your hazard warning lights to warn drivers behind of the hazard.

General Knowledge

• You must show your motor insurance certificate when a police officer asks you for it.
• A police officer is authorized to signal you to stop.
• A cover note is a document issued before you receive your insurance certificate.
• As a driver, you are responsible for making sure that a vehicle is not overloaded.