I’m a driving instructor and these are the five tips you should never forget – even after 20 years of being on the road
A DRIVING instructor has given his five top tips that no driver should ever forget. Given the variety of roads in the UK, it’s important to not become complacent while driving, even after twenty years behind the wheel. To ensure best practice and safe driving at all times, Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driving has […]
A DRIVING instructor has given his five top tips that no driver should ever forget.
Given the variety of roads in the UK, it’s important to not become complacent while driving, even after twenty years behind the wheel.
To ensure best practice and safe driving at all times, Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driving has shared his five golden rules.
Always give yourself extra time
Whether you’ve done your journey every day for the last ten years or it’s the first time you’re heading in that direction, consider the time it takes to get there and leave scope for things not going to plan.
This means that you are less likely to encounter any surprises on the way which leave you rushing, removing potential stressors out of the journey.
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Remember the street light rule
Whilst it might be tempting to go faster, if there are street lights and no signs to the contrary, then the default speed limit is always 30mph.
There is also an ever increasing number of 20mph zones too. Contrastingly, when there is no street lighting, the speed limit for cars and motorcycles is usually 60mph for single carriageway roads, and 70mph for dual carriageway roads.
Who knew that street lighting had a hidden meaning!
Consider the weather conditions
Different weather conditions pose very different risks to road users, but a little preparation can go a very long way.
Get ready for a winter journey 15 minutes in advance; ensure your engine is warmed up and de-ice your car in cold weather.
In the winter, the amount of dirt and spray from larger vehicles can make visibility a problem, so a full tank of screen wash can be a lifesaver.
Clean your headlamps and rear lights and reflectors, too – these get filthy when there’s salty spray from the road and can massively impair your ability to see and be seen.
Remember to monitor oil levels and tyre pressure too, making sure your car is in top condition before you head out. And don’t forget to clean your number plate too or risk a £1,000 fine.
Always focus on the road ahead
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous – even if you think you’re a pro behind the wheel. Focusing on anything other than the road ahead increases the reaction time a driver needs to put their foot on the brake – time that you sometimes do not have at your peril while driving if something unexpected happens.
Drive in a safe bubble
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.
This gives better visibility and will give you time to respond safely in any event. Practice the two second rule: only a fool avoids the two second rule.
When the vehicle in front of you passes a road sign say this to yourself.
This little ditty takes two seconds to say, and you should have completed the sentence by the time that your vehicle passes the same sign.
This is for dry, clear conditions. Remember that braking distances increase massively in wet and ice conditions.
