Driving in fog:

An enormous amount of accidents are caused by driving in fog.

These normally occur because the driver is travelling too fast.

A good rule of thumb is to drive at a speed which allows you to brake to a standstill before you reach any object illuminated by your cars lights.

Fog lights should be used when visibility is so bad that your car would not be seen at a reasonable distance without them.

Front fog lights shine under the fog and give a better view forwards than head lamps, which shine into it.

Finally, fog lights should be turned off when visibility improves, because they dazzle other road users.

Driving long distances:

Driving for long journeys can be made much safer by planning everything in advance, make sure you know your route and time your travelling so that you are as far away from major cities during rush hour as possible.

It is very important to keep alert on a long journey; some of the simplest ways of doing this are to adjust your seat so that you are comfortable and make sure your car is not too warm.

Ideally you should stop more often than you need to, usually every two hours is sufficient.

Finally, always make sure you always have plenty of fuel in the tank, since you may find yourself driving for long periods without a service station in sight.

Night Driving

Driving at night relies on your cars lights to provide visibility. Sidelights make the car easier for other people to see but do not help you see anything else.

Dipped head lights are required when you need to illuminate the road ahead, and are a legal requirement whenever street lights are switched on.

Your main beam lights give much more visibility; these should be used when possible. But these must be switched back to dipped head lights as soon as a car appears in front of you.

Ideally, you should keep your lights on main beam until just before the approaching car comes into view.

Finally, Night driving carries the risk of fatigue, partly because you are not sleeping when you should be. Always rest before travelling and if you feel tired, always stop and get some fresh air.

Top 10 Speed Limit Tips

Many car drivers unintentionally exceed the speed limit, often without realising it.

Drivers are responsible for the speeds at which they choose to drive, but there are some simple and practical things drivers who find it difficult to stay with speed limits can do to help themselves.

1	Check your speedometer regularly, especially when leaving high speed roads
2	Know the limits – look for signs, especially at junctions
3	Assume lamp posts mean 30 mph, until signs say otherwise, but remember it could be 20 mph
4	Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target
5	20’s plenty when kids are about – and may even be too fast
6	Try no higher than 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit
7	Recognise what makes you speed - keeping up with traffic, overtaking or being tailgated
8	Concentrate – distracted drivers speed
9	Slow down when entering villages
10	Give yourself time – there’s no need to speed and you won’t get there quicker

	Even a small amount above the limit makes a big difference

Female Drivers

Many woman often drive alone and it’s unfortunate, but they are more likely to draw unwelcome attention than a man alone.

Some simple precautions should ensure your safety.

Let someone know your estimated time of arrival. It’s always wise to lock your car doors and place your hand bag under the front seat – so that it’s not visible when you stop at a junction or lights. Finally, try to always have a mobile phone in your car, in case you need assistance.