Great start to the week, congratulations to Joel Fox on passing his #drivingtest in #Halifax. Great drive Joel well deserved pass. Good luck with University. #drivesafe
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Monday, 10 September 2018
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
5 Top Tips for Learning to Drive Safely on Motorways
1. Using Slip Roads
A major rule of motorway driving is one
that even seasoned motorists can get confused by; when coming down a slip road
to join a motorway, it’s a common misconception that any vehicle in the
left-hand lane must move over into the middle lane to give you the space to
move out safely onto the motorway.
Alas,
it’s actually the other way round; the law states that those on the slip road
must give way to traffic on motorways. That said, most vehicles in the
left-hand lane show common sense and courtesy by pulling into the middle lane
to allow you out.
Long
may the tradition continue as well because for learners, that slip road onto
the motorway can be a daunting experience. To help ease you into the process,
best practise on a dual-carriageway first where the same slip road rule
applies.
2. Using Lanes
Just because there are three lanes doesn’t
mean you can use them any way you want. Instead, you must stay in the left-hand
lane if you’re not overtaking. If you are overtaking, make sure you move back
into the left-hand lane once you’re past the slower-moving vehicle/s.
Remember,
if you end up absentmindedly sitting in the middle lane, you can be done by the
police, fined £100 and given three insurance premium-swelling points on your
licence. And fair enough – after all, hogging the middle lane can cause
congestion plus can create a hazard as other vehicles over- or undertake you in
frustration.
And talking
of undertaking, don’t do it; you must always pass on the right-hand side of a
vehicle. The exception? If there is traffic on the motorway causing congestion,
it can lead to the left-hand lane naturally moving more quickly than the
traffic in other lanes – so it’s okay to follow its flow.
3.
Using common sense
Because
you will typically be driving at 70mph (unless on the M25 or M6 where the
average speed feels more like 15mph…), you will need to ensure you leave enough
space between your car and the vehicle ahead. It means if something should
happen, you will have the time needed to react.
The
basic rule of thumb? Use a marker at the side of the motorway (such as a sign,
tree or bush) and count two seconds once the vehicle in front has passed it; if
you pass the marker on two seconds, you’re in the sweet spot. If you pass it in
under two seconds, you need to back off. If the roads are wet, ensure you
double the second count and in icy conditions, triple it.
4. Using Hard Shoulders
No, these are not designated emergency pee
stops, no matter what your bladder might tell you; hard shoulders are there to
be used in emergencies only such as when your car breaks down.
If you
do need to use one, pull up on to it as far as possible on the left with the
wheels turned left too. Put on your hazard lights immediately and don’t turn
off your sidelights if it’s dark or if there’s fog; other motorists must
still be able to see you.
Finally,
try and get out of the car on the side that is furthest away from the motorway
before waiting behind the barrier where possible. Then call your breakdown
service provider or alternatively, use one of the emergency phones that can be
found at regular points along the hard shoulder.
5.
Using Smart Motorways
If
dealing with a regular motorway wasn’t confounding enough, there are also Smart
Motorways springing up the length and breath of Britain. The same basic
motorway rules apply but with added challenges including being allowed to drive
on the hard shoulder (under
certain conditions), red ‘X’ lanes and emergency refuge areas.
Wednesday, 20 June 2018
20mph speed limit trial
A trial in Hampshire in which 20mph speed limits were placed in certain areas has shown no evidence of increased road safety.
Reductions have been modest and in some cases average speeds have even increased.
Tuesday, 19 June 2018
12 Easy Rules Of Road Rage.
Road Rage Driving
Whether for work or leisure, can be enjoyable
but at times is stressful and demanding. Drivers need to be fit, relaxed and
rested for the demands of safe travel. Good driving requires a responsible
attitude to other road users as well as a high level of concentration,
observation and anticipation. The reality is, however, that everyone makes
mistakes.
Our attitude as drivers, how we deal
with our own mistakes and our reaction to those made by other people, will
influence our own safety and well-being and that of other road users around us.
Aggressive, selfish or impatient attitudes influence the way we drive. This can
develop into a tendency to take irresponsible risks, such as tailgating,
exceeding speed limits, undertaking, or jumping red lights.
Many
drivers find different ways to keep calm but here are some suggestions on
dealing with, and avoiding, potential conflict, "road rage" or red
mist.
Before
You Set Off
· When we are emotionally upset or psychologically caught up
in something else, we are not able to give the road our full attention and so,
do not drive safely. Try to ensure you are in a calm, good mood before driving.
· Plan time into journeys in case you are delayed by traffic;
this can help to alleviate the pressure you feel if you're running late.
· Whilst driving do not over-react
to, or panic about, another driver's error, bad driving or poor attitude. They
may be unaware of their actions. Try to stay away from them and concentrate on
driving well and within the law.
· Avoid getting into conflict with
another
driver. There will be some bad drivers who are looking for a reaction
or conflict. "Competing" with another driver could lead to the
incident becoming serious. Keep your mind focused on your driving.
· Stay calm and think logically –
when confronted by an irate driver don't engage in gestures, headlight flashing
or sounding the horn as this will serve no purpose and may exacerbate the
situation. It will also distract you. Concentrate on driving responsibly.
· Refrain from eye contact with an angry
or aggressive driver as this has the potential to make the situation worse.
· If you find you are being followed
by an impatient driver (tailgated) – do not allow yourself to be
"pushed" along, intimidated or made to increase your speed. Without
actually pulling over or stopping – find a safe opportunity to allow that
driver to pass. Circumnavigating a roundabout to enable a tailgater to get past
you will add little time to your journey but can make a significant difference
to stress levels.
· If you find that you are being
persistently followed by an aggressive driver – try to make your way to a
public place, police station or busy street and if necessary call the police.
Do not allow an aggressive driver to follow you home.
· Under no circumstances should you
endanger your safety or well-being by getting out of the car to deal with an
angry or aggressive driver. If confronted with a road rage situation remain in
the car with the windows closed and doors locked. If necessary, call for help
on a mobile phone (not while driving).
· If you accidentally cause another
driver to become angry – hold up your whole hand as a friendly acknowledgement
of your mistake – this can diffuse the situation.
· If your mood is affected by an
incident during your journey, once you have moved away from any danger, find an
opportunity to stop and take time out. · Focus on the present and your driving rather than the
destination or purpose of the journey. After Your Journey
· If you are able to recognise when
you're becoming stressed, angry or impatient while driving, you will be better
equipped to deal with these emotions. Try to find time occasionally to reflect
on your driving and think about how mood or stress has effected your actions.
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Driving Lessons Halifax
Congratulations to Chloe Barker on passing her #drivingtest in #Halifax. Well done Chloe well worth the early start, got over the nerves for a well deserved pass. Enjoy the freedom and good luck with the exams. Its been a pleasure helping you gain your full licence.
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🚗Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Saturday, 11 November 2017
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