As the driver of your vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that you and your car are fit for the road.
Make sure you are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel.
Drink only non-alcoholic drinks
If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor to find out if it is safe for you to drive
Have your eyesight checked regularly
Take plenty of rests on long drives
Wear your seat belt
Do not drive if:
You feel tired or unwell
You have been drinking alcohol
You are taking drugs or medicines that can make you drowsy
The law requires that a driver must keep their vehicle in a good and safe condition.
Tyres
Check your tyre pressures
Check the tread depth (at least 1.6mm)
Lights
Keep all lights clean
Check that they are working
Remember to turn off rear fog lights when not required
Be careful not to dazzle other road users
Windscreens and Wipers
Keep your windscreen clean and clear
Remember to keep your washers topped-up
Do not put stickers on the windows
As a driver of a vehicle you should make sure that your passengers are safe.
Front seat passengers must wear a selt belt
Back seat passengers must wear a seat belt (if fitted)
The law requires that drivers must make sure that children under 14 years of age are belted in
Younger children should be placed in an appropriate child car seat
Passengers should always enter and exit the car on the pavement side
According to legislation passed in September 2006, the following laws apply (with very few exceptions):
Children under three must be in an appropriate child restraint in the front and back. If there are no seat belts in the vehicle to which a restraint can be fixed, the child cannot travel in the vehicle
Children aged 11 and younger, or under 135cm in height (4ft 5in) must use an appropriate child restraint in the front of the vehicle. They cannot just use the seatbelt. If there is a seat belt in the back, to which a restraint can be fixed, the child must use an appropriate restraint. If there is no seatbelt in the back, the child can travel unrestrained
Children aged 12 and 13, or younger children over 135 cm in height must wear a seatbelt in the front and back of the vehicle, if fitted
Rear-facing child seats can no longer be used on seats where a front airbag is fitted
For more information on the laws governing child restraints and how they may affect you, go to the THINK! website by clicking here.
A good driver will take care and anticipate the actions of other road users.
Pedestrians
Give way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings
Watch out for children dashing out
Older people need more time to cross the road - be patient
When turning at a junction give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road
Cyclists and Motorcyclists
Give cyclists and motorcylists as much room as possible when you pass - preferably as much as you would for another vehicle
Look out for two-wheeled vehicles at all junctions - they are not easily seen
Don't drive or park in cycle lanes
Horses & Other Animals
Remember to give them plenty of room & slow down when passing by
Other Drivers
Let other drivers know what you intend to do - use your indicators
Be a defensive driver - expect the worst from other drivers
Keep your cool - we all share the same road space!