looking at your passengers whilst talking.
	smoking
	using a cellular phone
	changing radio stations, cassettes or CDs
	drinking coffee or pop.

Remember:

Slow down in advance of an intersection or curve in the road.

Keep a good following distance from the vehicle ahead. Under ideal conditions this should never be less than a THREE SECONDS following distance. Under adverse conditions, this following distance must be increased accordingly.

Avoid unnecessary overtaking.

A cellular phone is a valuable aid in an emergency, but must not be used whilst driving. A charging device should also be in the vehicle.

It is necessary to know the type of braking system your vehicle is equipped with. This could be conventional or ABS - know how to use your system.

Ensure that tires are in good condition, and that tire pressure is checked every two weeks. It is essential to remember that all that is between you and the road, are those four small patches of tire that are in contact with the road.

Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seatbelts.

Never have loose articles on top of the dashboard, or back seat.

To obviate the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, and to be better able to hear the sound of a siren, drive with the driver's window at least 1/2 an inch open. This is especially true in cold conditions.

Before making any direction change always remember to

	check your mirrors
	signal your intention - even when backing
	check the blind spot.

Never drink and drive

Know what effect mediation can have on your driving

Always ensure that you are in a fit state to drive both physically and mentally. Do not drive if feeling ill or under emotional strain. It is safer to keep off the roads until we feel more 'up to it'

Know the rules of the road.  It is vital that we always have an up-to-date copy of the 'The Driver's Handbook' and keep reading this.

Always ensure that your vehicle is in 100% condition. Your life depends on it.

 

Winter Driving Tips:

 It is absolutely vital that a good following distance be maintained when driving under adverse conditions. A good distance is:

	RAIN CONDITIONS - minimum of a 4-5 second following distance
	SNOW CONDITIONS - minimum of a 8-10 second following distance
	ICY CONDITIONS - minimum of a 12-15 second following distance

Keeping a good following distance under adverse conditions allows us more time to react in case of an emergency.

In winter we alter our style of driving to cope with the ever-changing road and weather conditions. We:

	do things sooner and more smoothly
	prepare ourselves mentally for driving conditions
	prepare our vehicles for the winter weather.

Prepare your vehicle by having a winter tune-up. The includes:

	belts, hoses, battery, radiator, oil
	coolant/anti-freeze, lights, brakes
	windshield wipers, exhaust system, heater
	defroster, ignition, electrical system.

Always ensure that snow and ice are cleared from windshield, side window and rear windows, roof, lights and mirrors, before heading out.

Keep washer fluid reservoir full with a spare gallon of washer fluid in the trunk.

Never let the gas tank fall below the half-full level.

In bad weather before a vehicle passes you from either direction, get the windshield wipers and washers going before the vehicle passes you. This will ensure your windshield remains clear.

The posted speed maximums are for ideal conditions. Under adverse conditions, the maximum speed is your good judgment - slow down. Remember, it is always illegal to exceed the posted speed maximums.

Maneuver slowly and smoothly. Sudden acceleration or braking could result in a skid.

If embarking on a long trip, advise someone of your route, destination and expected time of arrival.

Keep a winter survival kit in the vehicle. This should include items such as:

	ice scraper and brush
	snow shovel
	sand or other traction aid
	extra washer fluid
	traction pads or sand
	jumper cables
	blankets and extra warm clothing
	non-perishable food and water
	mats, candle and spare batteries
	first aid kit and small tool kit.
	flashlight
	flares
	good spare tire, jack and wheel spanner
	cell phone with charging device

It is advisable not to wear thick boots while driving. Always have a normal pair of shoes in the car to change into before driving. With thick boots, we loose the "feel" of the pedals.