Moving Off

Moving Off

Before moving off you should
use all mirrors to check the road is clear

look round to check the blind spots (the areas you are unable to see in the mirrors)

signal if necessary before moving out

look round for a final check

Move off only when it is safe to do so.

Once moving you should

keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road

keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction


drive with both hands on the wheel where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.

be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer

select a lower gear before you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your speed

Mirrors. All mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey. You should

use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you
use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed

be aware that mirrors do not cover all areas and there will be blind spots. You will need to look round and check

Remember: MSPSL Mirrors - Signal - Position - Speed - Look

Adverse Weather Conditions

Driving in adverse weather conditions

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.


Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather
you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead

if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery (see 'Vehicle maintenance, safety and security') take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders

Icy and snowy weather

In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.

Before you set off

· you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows
· you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible
· make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly
· remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
· check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted

When driving in icy or snowy weather

· drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
· keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater

than on dry roads
· take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are

riding a motorcycle or cycle
· watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake

them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
· be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances
· listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide

information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should
· drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently
· drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively

on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the

bend, avoiding sudden actions
· check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to

brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle

losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise

Windy weather

High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.

In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.

Fog

Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.

When driving in fog you should
· use your lights as required
· keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of

security
· be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly

important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
· use your windscreen wipers and demisters
· beware of other drivers not using headlights
· not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
· check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights

warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
· stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When

you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts

you directly in the path of approaching vehicles

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.


Hot weather. Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.

A few Tips that might just help you out..