BE AWARE, BE COURTEOUS, SHARE THE ROAD

There are a number of different vehicles using our roads, it is not just car drivers. Therefore it is important to be aware of other road users and to drive accordingly.

There seems to be a hierarchy of vehicles on the roads, yet we are all vulnerable no matter what our size and we must try to anticipate what others drivers will do next.

Large vehicles such as coaches, lorries and buses need to be approached differently to other road users. It is important as a smaller vehicle not to be in their blind spot, the general rule is it you can’t see their mirrors, they probably can’t see you. Larger vehicles will need more room to manoeuvre, so make sure you give them plenty of room.

When stopping on a hill, make sure you allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, any vehicle (however, larger vehicles can cause considerably more damage) can roll backwards when finding the biting point.

Motorcyclists and cyclists must take extra precautions in order to prevent being in an accident. Wearing reflective clothing, a helmet and ensuring the bike has headlights will make them more visible to other road users. Likewise other motorists should ensure they use their mirrors and check for bikes especially when changing lanes as motorcyclists will generally ride a little to the side of the lane as opposed to the middle.

Farm equipment, predominantly tractors – we all know the frustration of being stuck behind one of these. Yet it is important to slow down on approach as you will reach them much quicker than other vehicles. You are allowed to overtake on the condition that the road is clear and it is safe to do so.

What about other car drivers, simple, use your common sense and try to be courteous.

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