Safe and Responsible Driving

Driving Along

Be alert to the traffic around you as you drive. Make a routine of looking behind and from side by checking your mirrors every few seconds. Check your blind spots by turning your head to look over your shoulder. Try to keep other vehicles out of your blind spot by changing your speed and try not to drive in other vehicles' blind spots. Be extra alert at dawn and dusk when drivers have problem adjusting to the changing light.

Steer Smoothly

Steer smooth and precise. Do most steering and lane changes having both hands on the steering wheel. You should try to steer in a straight line while shifting gears, adjusting controls or checking your blind spot.

Keep Left

Keep to the left of the road or in the left-hand lane on multi-lane roads unless you want to turn right or want to overtake another vehicle.

Roundabout

If you are about to enter the round-about, give way to traffic on your right. The rule applies to those cars also that have to turn left after entering the round-about.

Controlled Intersection with Traffic Signals

Driver turning left using a slip lane must give way to any vehicles on the road. He should give way to a vehicle that is coming straight or turning right into the road the driver is about to enter.

Controlled Intersection (Stop or Give Way Sign)

The driver must stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, the driver must stop before entering the intersection and must give way to a vehicle in the intersection.

Uncontrolled Intersection (No Sign/Signal)

A driver at an intersection (except a T-intersection or roundabout) without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.

If the driver is going straight ahead, the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle.

If the driver is turning left, the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.

If two vehicles are facing green lights the driver who has to turn right should give way to the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and going straight.

Changing lanes

You might need to change lanes on roads with more than one lane in the same direction. You may want to change lanes to overtake another vehicle, to avoid a parked vehicle or when the vehicle ahead slows to turn at an intersection. Always give proper signal before changing lanes and ensure the move can be made safely.

Steps for changing lanes

• Check for a space in traffic where you can enter safely.
• Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Give an indicator in the direction you want to move.
• Recheck to ensure the way is clear and that no one is coming at a fast speed from behind.
• Turn steadily into the new lane.

Do not change lane suddenly by cutting in front of another vehicles. The other drivers will not be expecting your maneuver.

Avoid changes lanes unless required. Don't change lanes in or near an intersection.

Spending a few seconds behind another vehicle is often safer than going around it.

Overtaking

Overtaking is changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle. Never overtake other vehicle unless you are absolutely sure you can do so without danger to yourself or others.

Points to consider while overtaking a vehicle

• Use your right-turn indicator to show that you want to overtake. Check the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking.
• Watch out for scooters or motor cycles that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles that may be turning right in front of you.
• After overtaking, give indicator that you want to get back into the lane you started from. Change lane when you can see all the front of the vehicle you are passing in your rear view mirror. Never cut off a vehicle by suddenly moving in front of it.
• Do not race if the vehicle you are passing speeds up. Get back into your original lane.

Do not overtake within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossing. When another vehicle wants to overtake you, move to the left and let it pass. Be prepared to slow down to allow the overtaking vehicle get into your lane ahead of you. The other driver may not have anticipated the speed of the oncoming vehicle.