Service/MOT dates? Regular servicing for safety

Security

Immobiliser & alarm

Avoid parking in poorly-lit or isolated areas

Use a garage or patrolled/secure car park

Watch for Police approved “Secured by Design” logo

Hide/remove valuables - Hide before stopping if possible

Lock up, even when filling with petrol & keep track of keys

Passengers/Loads

Seatbelts for all – under 14's are driver's responsibility

Keep children who are in child seats away from airbags

Keep animals under control

Secure all loads and avoid dangerous “sticking out” loads

Steering & braking are affected by loads – drive carefully esp. at first. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.

Correctly mounted top-boxes save fuel and secure loads well

Environmental Issues

 

Saving Fuel:

Smooth/progressive/moderate acceleration (saves tyre wear too)

Block changes to highest suitable gear

Use momentum – off gas early – light braking (also saves tyres)

Plan ahead to avoid stop/start or hard braking at hazards

Plan routes and get traffic info. – less miles/time/tiredness

Reverse in to avoid manoeuvres with a fuel-hungry cold engine

Keep to the speed limits – legal/cheaper/safer

Use cruise control on the open road if fitted

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight or roof racks

Turn off air-conditioning unless vital

Use another form of transport – bus/train/bike/walk/share lift

Keep up regular maintenance and servicing

Legal

Roadworthy Car – Mobile phone off

Know Road Regulations and Highway Code

Eyesight – number plate at 20m

No alcohol/drugs (even prescription)

Rest during journeys at least every 2 hrs

Know insurance details and procedure

Keep details of who to call for assistance

Plan journey and what to do if delayed

Weather

Reduced Visibility

Sun – dazzle

Fog – dipped headlights and fog lamps if under 100m visibility

Rain – worst at night

Increased stopping distance

Rain – doubles distance – 4-second rule

Ice/snow – ten times the distance to stop – 20-second rule

Difficult control

Wind – cyclists, motorcyclists, high vehicles especially affected

Aquaplaning – ease off the gas and steer straight until in control

Darkness

Check lights clean/working. Use headlights

Ensure visible when parking (lights/position)

If dazzled - slow down/stop – do not flash back

Pedestrians & other hazards are more difficult to see

Adjust speed to be able to stop within distance seen to be clear

Judging speed of others more difficult – special care at junctions

Changes from bright lighting to dark need time to adjust eyesight

Practice at night until familiar with differences