Safe Speed
Always drive within the legal speed limit for the type of vehicle you are driving. A good rule of thumb is to leave enough space when you are stopped in traffic so that you can see the road under the rear tyres of the vehicle in front.
When travelling at higher speeds, you have less time to identify and react to what is happening around you. It takes longer to stop. And if there is a crash, it is more severe.
Speed Limits
Always stay within speed limits (including variable limits and temporary limits at roadworks) even if you think the limit is too low. Speed limits set the maximum speed for that road.
Give yourself time
Plan your journey at safe speeds and without needing to exceed speed limits. Your journey time is determined much more by your average speed during the whole journey than your maximum speed for part of it.
Pre-Journey Checks:
Driver
If required, make sure that you have a current valid licence for your vehicle
Do not ride or drive if you feel fatigued, unwell or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Try to be in a calm, good mood before driving or riding
Be tolerant toward others
Accept that drivers (including you!) make honest mistakes
Vehicle
Make sure that the vehicle pre-use check is completed
The vehicle is roadworthy
Journey
Check travel and weather information before travel and during the course of your journey.
Plan when and where you will take breaks.
Always drive in a safe and legal manner
Be courteous and thank others for their courtesy
Distractions
Driving requires your full concentration all of the time. Trying to do something else while driving will distract you, slow your reactions and make a crash more likely.
Mobile Phones & Navigation
It is illegal to hold or cradle a hand-held mobile phone while driving (this includes any activity that involves dialling a number, writing a text or accessing internet or other applications).
Using a hands-free phone when making a phone call still poses a risk while driving because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation.
When you are using the Ryde map navigation make sure you phone is in a secure holder and positioned safely so you do not have to look away from the road for longer than necessary. Revise your journey before you start so you need to check the map less frequently.
Other Distractions
Eating, drinking, smoking, and handling in-vehicle equipment [Satnav, stereo, data recorders etc.] are all distractions to the main driving task.
Use your break time for these activities so that when operating a vehicle you can be fully focused
Driving Conditions:
Driving At Night
Driving at night is more dangerous because visibility is reduced, which impacts your ability to estimate speed and distance and to assess accurately the position of oncoming traffic.
Make sure to:
Keep a particular lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who will be harder to see.
Keep your lights are switched on.
Use your mirrors, and ensure lights are clean to maximise vision.
Do not wear tinted glasses when driving at night.
Not blind oncoming traffic with your headlights.
Weather Conditions
The weather can cause all sorts of driving hazards, especially reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.
Rain
Rain reduces your ability to see and greatly increases the distance needed to slow down and stop. There is an increased risk of skidding and, in heavy rain, aquaplaning.
Drive smoothly and plan your moves in plenty of time
Use windscreen wipers where appropriate
Use relevant vehicle lighting to make sure other road users can see you
Allow for two times more braking distance
Snow & Ice
Clear your vehicle completely of snow and ice before you set off.
Think about taking warm clothes, boots and a torch.
Use relevant vehicle lighting to make sure other road users can see you.
Expect skids. Make sure you have something in the vehicle to help with grip in case you get stuck.
Only travel at a speed at which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Keep your speed down and give yourself time! Always reduce your speed smoothly and in plenty of time on slippery surfaces.
Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, or sharp steering. Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to ten times the normal distance for braking
Fog
Fog is a major danger for drivers and the cause of many collisions.
Slow down and keep a greater distance from other vehicles.
Use relevant vehicle lighting to make sure other road users can see you.
If you break down, inform the emergency services and get the vehicle off the road as soon as possible. Never park on the road in fog and never leave it without hazard warning lights.
Hot Weather
Stay cool! Depending on the vehicle type you may be wearing layers of protective clothing that can be thick and heavy. Carry wipes and cold drinks and take regular breaks to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.