Gears To Go - Better Driving: It's not necessary to change gears in sequence

Gears...

Some drivers always change through the gears one-by-one (1,2,3,4,5 - 5,4,3,2,1).

This is a habit that has stuck with some older drivers from when they originally learned to drive and was commonly taught well into the late 1990s. But it's not generally good practice to use the gears in this way when driving modern cars.

Over the years, motor car design and engineering has improved. Compared with cars of even thirty years ago, modern vehicles are lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamic.

These changes (and others) mean that the driving method that was essential in older cars is not necessary for modern driving.

Because cars used to be heavy and braking systems were not as efficient as they now are, it was necessary to use the gears (or to be more precise, the engine compression) to help to slow the car down.

The combination of efficient braking systems and lighter vehicles now means that drivers can slow down without the need to change to a lower gear.

Gears to go!

Gear changes are only required when power is needed to keep the car moving. Specific gears can be used in different situations to vary the effect of the gas pedal on balance an handling.

This means that if you are stopping, you don't need to change gear until after you have stopped. This is the preferred method of the UK Driving Standards Agency and all advanced driving organisations.

Missing out gears

It is not necessary to change gears in sequence.

For example: If you are driving along a main road at 60mph in 5th or 6th gear, and you intend to turn left into a side road, you will usually be able to do so without having to stop; more often than not you will be using 2nd gear to do this.

The old way required every gear, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, but this is no longer the case.

As you approach the junction, reduce your speed by releasing the gas pedal and braking until you are going slowly enough to negotiate the junction safely - then change gear.

It is only after you have slowed down to a safe speed for the turn by using the brakes, that you need to select the gear that will drive the car comfortably at the lower speed. In most cars the best gear for the job will be 2nd.
Move the gear lever into neutral position and then directly to second gear.

You can occasionally skip gears when changing up but this is less common. A typical upward skip might be from 3rd to 5th on an open road.

Skilled drivers tend not to 'overlap' brakes and gears. This means that they finish braking and release the brake pedal before pressing the clutch and making the gear change - this leaves the right foot free for the gas pedal when the clutch is engaged.

Observation when changing gear

The fact that you are considering a gear change means that there must be:

• A change in the road or traffic situation ahead
• That you are planning to change speed
• That you need more power to accelerate of climb a hill

Before you take action to deal with the changing situation ahead (or change speed) you must check the situation behind. In other words, every gear change must be preceded with a mirror check. This check may simply be to confirm that things have not changed since your last mirror check (which may have been only seconds before).

Remembering that you are changing gears to go. That is, using the engine power to maintain (initially) or increase speed it's essential to know whether other drivers are trying to overtake you otherwise you could find yourself in trouble!

Looking ahead

Although it may seem obvious that you should not look at the gear lever, many drivers glance down subconsciously.

Make sure that you always look well ahead when making gear changes. This becomes especially important if your gear change techniques are changing as your driving improves.

• Initially, your new method of gear changing will not be an 'unconscious action' and so might become a distraction in itself...
  
• Looking down could turn a minor distraction into a major problem!

Two gear change practice projects

If you are thinking of taking an advanced driving test or are training to become a driving instructor these practise projects will help you along the way.

Or you might simply want to drive smoother so that your kids don't get car sick!

Lack of flexibility and smoothness are often noted as problems when experienced drivers are assessed for advanced driver training or tests..

The aim of these exercises is to make all of your gear changes smooth and controlled - your passengers shouldn't notice the fact that you are changing gear at all!

The subjects covered are:

• Taking correct observation before changing gear
• Coordinating the accelerator and clutch while changing gear
• Making selective gear changes

Spend an hour or two playing with the gears, paying particular attention to the points listed in this section– following the guidelines on the following pages.

Keep your sessions short if this helps you to gain success.

Ideally you should choose an out-of-town route. A quiet 'B' class road between 1 and 2 miles long and preferably made up of long straights, would be just about perfect!

1. Smooth changes

To achieve 'perfect' balance while changing gear you will need to practice several gear changes; this could be fifty or several thousand!

For some drivers the whole concept of smooth gear changing might be alien.

Your aim is to keep the car balanced during the gear change process. No pitching backwards or forwards and no clutch 'drag' on downward gear changes. 

You can recognise clutch drag by the sound of the engine - there should be no change in the engine sound as you bring the clutch up (unless the change is made as you press the gas pedal).

In order to eliminate pitching and dragging it's usually easiest to start with 3rd to 4th and 4th to 3rd. If your car has a rev-counter, use it to help match the revs to the speed when making downward gear changes

Accelerator and clutch

The engine rev's should always match the road speed for the gear selected. That is, there should be no discernible jerk (vehicle weight-shift) as a direct result of a gear change.

If the engine 'drones' you need to either adjust the speed at which the gear change is made or increase the engine revs by light accelerator pressure as the clutch is engaged.

One of the most common problems at this stage is a rushed gear change.

Take your time when making gear changes; if you have any problems slow down your hand and feet movements – make the action slow and deliberate, concentrating on what you can feel through the gas pedal and clutch.

Feel free to make mistakes at this point! But not jerks! Temporary mistakes such as over-revving or slipping the clutch slightly are OK – they will soon pass as you relax and start to get a feel for the new style of driving.

2. Selective gear changing

Earlier in this section you read about the concept of selective gear changing. You now need to practice.

Selective gear changing: Method

Find a quiet stretch of road and practice changing from 4th to 2nd gear. Do this in two ways.
1. Practice at about 25mph using the method explained earlier for changing from 4th to 3rd.
2. Practice at around 5mph (or less) after first reducing the speed by use of the brakes.
When you have perfected changing from fourth to 2nd gear try 3rd to 1st, 4th to 1st (on the move at about 2mph) 5th to 3rd, 2nd or 1st and so on (using 6th if you have it).

Driving the getaway car!

Upward selective changes are usually made after accelerating fairly hard in a lower gear, for example after overtaking on a clear open road or when getting away from a bank robbery.

Upward selective changing: Method

Find a quiet stretch of road and accelerate to about 20mph in 1st gear (or to the red-line if you have a rev counter)
Change directly from 1st to 3rd or 4th. Keeping the car smooth as you do so.
Practice changing from: 2nd to 4th and 3rd to 5th using a similar 'accelerate and change' method.
Repeat these exercises several times until you are happy with the results.


http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/CarControl/Gears.htm

New penalties to tackle tailgating and middle lane hogging & increasing some fixed penalties

Changes are being introduced to give the police powers to issue fixed penalty notices for careless driving.

The changes will give the police powers to issue fixed penalty notices for careless driving, giving them greater flexibility in dealing with less serious careless driving offences - such as tailgating or middle lane hogging - and freeing them from resource-intensive court processes. The fixed penalty will also enable the police to offer educational training as an alternative to endorsement. Drivers will still be able to appeal any decision in court.

In addition, existing fixed penalty levels for most motoring offences - including using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt - will rise to £100 to bring them into line with the penalties for similar non-motoring fixed penalties.

Stephen Hammond said:

Careless drivers are a menace and their negligence puts innocent people’s lives at risk. That is why we are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court.

We are also increasing penalties for a range of driving offences to a level which reflects their seriousness and which will ensure that they are consistent with other similar penalty offences.

Edmund King, AA President said:

It is worrying that 3 quarters of drivers see others using mobile phones behind the wheel on some or most journeys¹. This epidemic of hand held mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives and our members have demanded action. An increase in the standard motoring fixed penalty fine will help deter those who commit motoring offences including mobile phone use. AA members broadly support an increase in the level of the fixed penalty. Our members also fully support educational training as an alternative to penalty points.

We are also pleased to see that at long last new powers and fines will be given to the police to tackle the top three pet hates of drivers – tailgaters, mobile phone abusers and middle lane hogs.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport ACPO lead on roads policing said:

The new penalties are absolutely necessary to deal with drivers who are putting people’s lives at risk and police will not hesitate to enforce them.

These measures should also act as a reminder to careless drivers that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

The vast majority of drivers are law abiding, but some are still not getting the message. We said we would get tougher on those who make our roads dangerous and that is exactly what we have done.

The fixed penalty for careless driving will be £100 with 3 points on the driver’s licence. The most serious examples will continue to go through court, where offenders may face higher penalties.

There are no changes to penalty levels for parking offences.

Fixed penalty levels for most of these motoring offences have not increased since 2000, and are now lower than other penalties of a similar severity. In addition, raising the penalty levels for these offences offers an additional incentive for drivers to take up remedial courses which address poor driving behaviour in the longer term.

The changes - which the government aim to bring into force in July this year - are being introduced following extensive public consultation with road safety groups and police forces.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-penalties-to-tackle-tailgating-and-middle-lane-hogging

Driving Safety

Motorway Driving

Faster, tougher, safer!

Motorways are designed to help you get your destination as quickly and safely as possible.

However, that speed and safety comes with a price attached. Long journeys on motorways can zap your concentration and subject your vehicle to more wear and tear than the average 'Sunday afternoon drive'.

Motorways are probably our safest roads, but when accidents happen they are usually quite severe due to the higher speeds involved. Motorway accidents often involve loss of life but this risk can be greatly minimised by following the advice given below.

This section contains general advice for motorway driving.

In addition to the main info, there is an Article 'Motorway Madness', first published in 2003 (Driving Magazine), which covers much of the general advice, but has some additional information about weather, speed and other matters.

The beginning

Britain's first motorway, the Preston Bypass, was opened on December 5th 1958 by the then Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan; four hours after the opening ceremony, Harold Bradshaw earned a place in UK motoring history when he became the first recorded motorway casualty after falling from a bridge above the road.

Hot on the heels of the Preston Bypass came the M1, the first section, just over 61 miles long was opened in 1959 - this was the start of the 'backbone' that would bridge the great North/South divide; unintentionally, it also provided a test track for high-performance sports cars!

Motorways and you

There are few things that you need to know before setting off on a motorway journey. The first is whether or not you are actually allowed on the motorway.

Not allowed:

If you plan a Sunday afternoon walk, or a horse ride on the motorway, I'm afraid you're out of luck... Nor will you be able to ride your motor scooter (or bike) if it engine is less than 50 cc, or go for a spree on your tractor!
Learner drivers (cars and motorcycles) are also prohibited from motorways and with motorways becoming ever more complex all new drivers should take training with a professional instructor to learn about motorway driving.

You and your car:

It's commonsense to have a vehicle that is fit for the road; however, this becomes even more important when you are contemplating a motorway journey. Driving at higher speeds over long distances is sure to test the weakest components of your vehicle. You can guarantee that if your car is about to break down it will do so miles from anywhere on a windy wet stretch of motorway - at night!
In the same way that your car needs to be in good condition, you also need to be fit and alert. The higher speeds on motorways mean that things can happen very quickly – a moment's lapse of concentration could have dire consequences.

Joining the Motorway

On most occasions you will join the motorway via a slip-road and an acceleration lane, at other times you might join from a roundabout or simply from the extension of the dual carriageway.

When joining the motorway via a slip road, it's important to remember that you are the 'odd one out' – the one who has to fit in with the flow.

Build up your speed on the slip road so that it matches the traffic on the motorway. Doing this is important, otherwise you will become a hazard to both yourself and other drivers.

As you're building up your speed on the slip road, check your mirrors and signal 'right' to show that you intend to join the motorway.

A lot of people will argue that it shouldn't be necessary to signal - after all where else are you going to go when you are heading down a one-way road at 60mph?

But... Your signal is important and fulfils the following functions …

• Warns drivers behind that you are about to move out and that they should not try to overtake.

• Alert drivers who might be daydreaming and therefore not notice your arrival.

• Satisfies the 'idiot expert' drivers who believe that "If you don't drive properly and give a signal you've no right to push in front of me".

Look for a gap

You now need to start looking for the gap in the traffic. 

A useful tip here is to decide which vehicle you want to follow rather than which vehicle you intend to drive in front of. This will help to keep your attention on the road ahead and will help you to maintain a positive speed.

As you approach the main carriageway you will enter an 'acceleration lane'. This lane is provided for you to make final adjustments to your speed as you prepared to merge with the traffic in lane-one (the lane that runs next to the hard shoulder).

Make sure that you check all of your mirrors - a quick glance in the left mirror to look for idiots overtaking on the left; a glance in the centre mirror to find out who is following and a couple of glances in the right door mirror to check that your gap is still available.

At this point you might want to have a quick glance over your right shoulder to double check that all is well.

Look back?

Some experts disagree with the idea of a final shoulder check saying that it can distract you from the road ahead. If you're travelling at about 70mph and your glance takes around half a second, you will be distracted from the road ahead for a distance of about 20 metres … However given that you should be leaving the gap of at least 70 metres between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, the should not be a problem. Take my advice … Have a quick glance back!

If you don't drive regularly on motorways, or have been driving in a slow urban environment for the last half-an-hour or so, it's a good idea to stay in lane-one for a while to get used to the higher traffic speeds.

In the same way as on dual-carriageways, the higher speeds on motorways can cause things to happen very quickly. In order to cope with varying traffic conditions or emergencies you must stay alert and look well ahead (at times you might spot brake lights as far as a mile or more ahead!).

Not like I did!

My first (far from high-performance) motorway experience was in a borrowed Morris 1100. Approaching the main carriageway I realised that the convoy of military vehicles in lane-one had no intention of moving over. The result was that I panicked and stopped in the acceleration lane… I was parked for over ten minutes until the fear of sitting there overcame my fear of moving!

Lane discipline

The normal rule is to use the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking, but keep a look out for road signs and markings; sometimes (especially in places where motorways merge) the left-hand lane might lead away from your intended destination.
Allow plenty of time for your actions on the motorway. Consider every move carefully making the fullest use of your mirrors and giving other drivers plenty of time to see your signals before starting any manoeuvre.
'Allow plenty of time for your actions' means managing the speed and space around your vehicle. One of the best ways to do this is to use the 'two second rule'.
Some motorways have road markings to help you determine a safe following distance. Sometimes, two chevrons distance seems very long - but whether you believe it or not, that's the kind of distance you need to stop in a sudden emergency.

Lanes

As mentioned above, the basic rule for lane use is 'drive in the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking'. It's amazing that such as simple rule seems to be misunderstood by so many drivers! Can it be so difficult?
They could be various reasons for people not sticking to the rules:

• Maybe it's that they are just lazy and it's just too much trouble to look in the mirror and move the
  steering wheel a quarter of an inch
• Or it could be that there just too damn scared - "I'm in this lane and I'm in a straight line and
  I'm staying here!"
• Perhaps. The speed limit is 70 and so no one can pass me anyway - I'm being a good citizen
  by holding up other drivers.

Whatever the reasons others have for driving dangerously, it makes good sense to adopt good lane discipline. By sticking to the rules you will help the traffic flow and reduced accident risks by lowering frustration levels.
Just because you think 70mph is fast enough for anyone, it doesn't mean that the driver of the sports car behind will think the same thing… just let him go - at least that way you won't be involved in his accident!
Another reason for good lane discipline is to help truck drivers. When you are sitting in the middle lane at 45mph going up a slight incline it's hardly surprising that the truck driver behind gets frustrated.
Trucks take much longer to build up their speed and need to maintain the momentum to climb even the slightest inclines; they're not allowed to use the right-hand lane (lane-three) and so cannot overtake you. Added to this, they're probably working to some impossible deadline!
Bus drivers and vehicle towing trailers (that includes your boat trailer or camping trailer!) are also prohibited from using lane-three. Be aware however, that there are some very large vans that fall just under the weight limit. These vans are permitted to use lane three and could pull out in front of you unexpectedly'.

Overtaking & Leaving

Overtaking is easily and fairly straightforward on the motorway, simply allow yourself lots of space and time.
Start your overtake manoeuvre early and well back from the vehicle you wish to pass. the nearer you get, the harder it will be to pull out. This is because you won't have the space in which to build up your speed.
If you follow this closely you will have no chance of a safe overtake and the driver of the truck won't be able to see you in his mirrors ...
If the view in the picture is your normal view before overtaking you are at least 50 metres too close!
Give your signal early and allow it to flash a few times before starting to move - this will warn drivers behind of your intentions (as opposed to the normal method adopted by many drivers of putting on the signal after they have started the manoeuvre!).
Check your mirrors and a quick glance in your blind-spot (over your right shoulder) before moving out.
After you have overtaken, and as soon as you can see the overtaken vehicle in your centre mirror, move back to your original lane. Depending upon your position a signal might be useful.
Cancel your signal! Make sure that your signal is cancelled after use because there won't be enough steering action to self-cancel the signal during normal lane change manoeuvres on motorways. The signal check needs to be a positive act - because of road noise, or your favourite motorway driving CD you might not hear the indicators warning clicks - its also possible that you won't be checking your speedo quite as much and so won't notice the flashing light on the dash.

Signal or not?

My basic rule for motorway signals is: 'If in doubt and give a signal'. If you are monitoring the traffic and leaving plenty of space a signal should not be needed as there will be plenty of time for others to see what you are doing - but as with joining the motorway there might be others that needs a 'wake up call' or those who are stupid enough to accelerate if they see a driver start to move without a signal - "You're not pushing in front of me without signalling!"

Keep space to the sides

For extra safety when overtaking never put yourself into a position where there is no 'escape route'. For example if you are in lane three overtaking a lorry in lane-two, avoid getting stuck alongside it - make sure that there is plenty of room to pass on get ahead of it before starting to overtake.
In the example on the right, you would have to wait for the white van to move out of the way so that you have a clear space to drive into before you start to pass the truck.

Leaving the motorway

You will normally leave the motorway via an exit slip road. If you are planned your journey well your first task will be to look out for the exit number.
All motorway junctions are numbered and the exit number can be found in the bottom left-hand corner of the direction signs in a black square with white numbers. The first direction signs for your junction will have the road numbers and the junction number - but will not have names of the destination. This sign is one mile from the exit.
The second direction sign will be like the first but this time would include place names like the one shown on the right. This sign is positioned half a mile from the junction. By the time you reach this sign you should be thinking of moving back to the left-hand lane if you are not already there. Information is also given on gantry signs at some junctions.
Finally, you will see the countdown markers. These are placed 270, 180 and 90 metres respectively from the start of the deceleration lane.
As you pass the first countdown marker signal your intention to leave the motorway but maintain your speed - you can slow down in the deceleration lane and on the slip road.
Deceptive speed
As soon as you enter the slip road, check your speedometer; you might be travelling much faster than you think (50mph can feel like 30mph after a long fast journey).
Some slip roads have sharp curves that can take drivers by surprise if the travelling to fast – beware!

Motorway breakdowns

If you break down, move to the hard-shoulder and switch on your hazard warning lights.
If you can't get to the hard shoulder because your car is damaged or stops and won't restart, switch on your hazard warning lights and get well clear to stand in a safe position. If your battery is good it can also help to leave sidelights on - especially in poor weather conditions.
If you carry a red warning LEAVE IT IN THE BOOT. Although reflective triangles can be particularly effective at night, especially on narrow roads or fast A-roads they can cause problems on motorways.
The old safety advice was to place your triangle 150 metres behind your vehicle; however, it is now considered that the risks of walking to place and retrieve the triangle outweigh the benefits.
Other dangers are that the triangle can be blown into the road with the turbulence cause by large fast vehicles or knocked into the path of moving traffic causing further danger or accidents.
Try to warn other drivers if possible (by waving etc.) but do not stand on the main carriageway or try to stop drivers by running in front of them.
Use the nearside door to get out of your vehicle. If you have passengers with you get them out of the vehicle to place of safety such as the grass verge behind the hard shoulder. Wear hi-viz vests for added safety.
If you have any animals or pets with you leave them in the vehicle or ensure that they are securely held on a leash or appropriate restraint.
Inform the emergency services as soon as possible that you have broken down. Marker posts on the side of the road will direct to the nearest phone (never cross to a telephone on the opposite carriageway!). All the phones are numbered and connect directly to the police control centre. If you use your mobile phone to contact the authorities the marker posts at the side of the hard shoulder will be numbered - this will help the authorities to locate you.
It is not generally a good idea to try and repair your vehicle yourself on the hard shoulder. The high speed of traffic rushing by makes this a very dangerous environment.
Even if you only need to change a wheel wait until there is a a police or Highways Agency vehicle parked behind you to shield you from the traffic and to draw attention to your presence.
While you're waiting for the emergency services to arrive sit on the grass verge, well away from the traffic whenever possible - statistics about collisions on the hard-shoulder suggest that you will be safer there than sitting in your car. If you are disabled and unable to safely get out of your vehicle or have no mobile phone with you, switch on your hazard warning lights, display a 'HELP' pennant and wait for help to arrive.
If you see other vehicles broken down on the hard shoulder, give them a wide berth. The truck driver in the photo on the right moved out, probably because he was aware that the driver of the broken down truck could walk around the front, or that the truck could start moving.
Finally, when rejoining the main carriageway after a breakdown or emergency, build up your speed on the hard shoulder (in the same way that you would joining the motorway from an acceleration lane) and then merge with the traffic in lane-one.

Motorway madness

Britain's first motorway, the Preston Bypass, was opened on December 5th 1958 by the then Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan; four hours after the opening ceremony, Harold Bradshaw earned a place in UK motoring history when he became the first recorded motorway casualty after falling from a bridge above the road.
Hot on the heels of the Preston Bypass came the M1, the first 72 miles of which were opened on April 11th 1960 bridging the great North/South divide and providing a test track for high-performance sports cars!
Despite the fact that the motorway network is now several thousand miles longer than it was when I had my first motorway adventure back in the early 1970's, there is still no requirement for compulsory motorway tuition or testing. Anyone who has passed the practical driving test can jump into a car and dive headlong into an experience similar to my own!
What has changed, however, is that although learner drivers are not permitted on motorways, the Theory-Test (compulsory for all new drivers) requires candidates to answer questions about motorway driving. This leads me to wonder how many learner drivers know more about motorway rules and regulations than the full licence holders who have been driving on motorways for years!
Whether or not motorway training becomes a compulsory requirement, there might well come a time when it will no longer be an issue. One idea that has been researched, and for which the technology already exists, is that of linking cars together on motorways. Using on-board computers coupled with speed/distance sensors, it is possible to form a motorway train. After 'logging on' to the train, you could read a newspaper, fall asleep or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. For now though, sleeping safely on the motorway remains a distant dream.

So how safe are you?

Although statistics suggest that motorways are our safest roads, they do pose significant risks, especially for those who don't regularly drive at higher speeds. Statistics also tell us that driver error is present in 90% of motorway accidents (with mechanical failure accounting for only 10%). So how safe are you now and what can you do to maximise your future safety on the motorway?
Most motorway accidents are caused by one, or a combination of the following:

• Following too closely
• Weather
• Tiredness and lack of concentration
• Problems associated with breakdowns

Too close for comfort…

Over the years, many individuals and organisations (Including the Institute of Advanced motorists and some Chief Police Constables) have called for increases in motorway speed limits; however, others think that this would be a recipe for more accidents. Although higher speeds will inevitably increase the severity of accidents, speed in itself is not usually the cause of motorway accidents.
Whatever your views on speed limits, driving more slowly will not necessarily reduce your risk of an accident on the motorway. The real problem lies in the way that drivers use speed on motorways. Consider the following figures:

• At 70 mph covers about 35 metres per second (try walking 35 metres with your eyes shut to appreciate this distance!)
• From the moment that the brakes are applied it will take somewhere in the region of 75 metres to stop (assuming a well maintained vehicle and a good, dry road!)
• Most drivers have a reaction time of over half a second (this is before they touch the brakes)
• Tired, ill or distracted drivers can take well over a second to react to danger

Given the information above, it doesn't take a mathematical genius to work out that drivers who only leave a separation gap of three or four car lengths when travelling at 70 mph will not have a chance of stopping if faced with a sudden emergency.
By keeping a one-metre gap for each mile per hour of your speed, or applying the 'two-second rule' you will do a lot to reduce your risk. Another major benefit of maintaining a safe distance is that it will give you plenty of time and space for safe, well planned lane changes – it's estimated that up to 25% of motorway accidents are caused by reckless or late lane change manoeuvres.

The British climate…

The problem with vehicle separation becomes even worse in poor weather conditions. On a wet road your stopping distance will often double, but that's only part of the problem. In order to achieve this stopping distance, your wheels need to be in contact with the road surface.
Because of the width of motorway carriageways it is not possible to achieve the same degree of camber that is found on narrower roads; this means that in a heavy rainstorm, water will not drain as quickly and there is a possibility of standing water – this can cause your front wheels to lose their grip on the road surface (aquaplaning). Stay safe in the wet by reducing your speed and doubling your separation distance.
One of the biggest motorway killers is fog, or rather the way that some drivers behave in foggy conditions. It never ceases to amaze me that despite at least one major fog smash making the headlines every year, drivers still hurtle along foggy motorways as if it were a bright summers day! My best advice about driving in motorway fog is "Don't".

Stay alert!

As cars become more sophisticated, the potential for driver distraction is perhaps greater than ever before. Mobile phones, global positioning systems, route finders, sophisticated in-car entertainment, etc., all require the driver's attention; however, tiredness remains one of the most dangerous blocks to motorway concentration.
Many of our motorways now have signs reminding us that: 'Tiredness kills – Take a break'. The causes of sleepiness vary from driver to driver but no one is immune. It could be the heavy meal and couple of drinks you had earlier, or medication from a doctor or pharmacy (many over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness). Long straight stretches of motorway result in some drivers succumbing to the hypnotic effect of the white lines flashing by, especially if they are bored or tired.
If you feel drowsy, pull off the motorway at the next exit or service area for a break. A caffeinated drink and a twenty-minute catnap will help to keep you to recover.
Beware!
If you do pull in for a break don't make the same mistake as the German tourist who was stopped by the Wiltshire Police after driving for 30 miles without realising that he had left his wife behind at the service station. (Nice try!)

Hard Luck!

Sometimes, because of breakdowns or other emergencies, drivers are forced to park on the motorway. It's very important to keep your wits about you in this situation and (unlike the man who was found trying to change a wheel in the outside lane of the M1) get off the main carriageway to a place of safety – namely, the hard shoulder. This is one of the first rules taught in driving instructor training about motorway lessons.
Although I refer to the hard shoulder as a place of safety, it is actually one of the riskiest places on the motorway. If you are forced to stop on the hard shoulder, switch on your hazard lights, inform the authorities immediately and stay well clear of your vehicle while waiting for help.
Even if you can fix the problem yourself, for example changing a wheel, you will be a lot safer if there is a conspicuous police or breakdown patrol vehicle providing a protective shield behind your car.
So ... Remember the basic survival rules for driving on the motorway:

• Keep your distance
• Check your speed in poor weather conditions
• Stay alert at all times

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/DefensiveDriving/Motorway_driving/Motorway_Driving.htm

THINK! Switch Your Mobile Off When Driving!

Don't Use Your Mobile Phone While Driving!..

Keeping a safe space

...people are killed and injured as a result of running out of space...

This section contains similar advice to that is often given to learner drivers - but don't be misled into thinking that this is 'kids stuff'...

As far as space is concerned, the only difference between learners and advanced drivers is experience.

Given that people are killed and injured as a result of running out of space, the information on these pages will go a long way towards keeping you, and your loved ones, safe on the road.

Space travel

Astronauts don't need the skill of controlling the space around their rockets – there is virtually no chance of them bumping into another spaceship, nor of them being hit from behind!

Back down here on Earth drivers still have to 'driving in space' but for them the space is man made - that is, driver-made. If you are familiar with a view similar to that shown in the picture above when driving - you're not making enough space for yourself, or for those following behind.

Drivers need to keep a safe space between their vehicles and other road users, bollards, trees and walls, etcetera – the safety bubble.

This section will explains the basics of maintaining a safety bubble around your vehicle.

Space to the front allows you to react sooner and gives you more time to stop - reducing the risk of a broken neck as a result of being hit from behind.

Space to the front

The safety space in front is the easiest one for you to control. You can adjust the gap between yourself and the vehicle in front by simply varying your speed. If you regularly get a close up view of large vehicles (or slow vehicles for that matter!) you need to develop the skill of maintaining a safe gap.
The picture on the right was taken from a car travelling at about 15 mph. The driver has kept back for three reasons.

• To leave a safe stopping distance (especially as the view ahead is severely limited).
• To get a view of the road ahead by looking underneath the vehicle in front.
• To maximise space as the driver enters a narrow section of road over a bridge.

Your forward safety gap must always be large enough for you to stop safely if necessary; an easy way to maintain this gap on a dry road is to use the 'two-second rule'.
On a clear road you should always be able to stop safely.
You will often here trainers say that you should be able to stop 'well within the distance that you can see to be clear ahead' - but this is not enough, especially if you are driving fast. You need to be able to stop in in half of the clear distance that you can see ahead - this gives a good margin for error if, for example, another car comes around a bend on your side of the road at the same speed as you.

The Two Second Rule

Applying this rule is easy. First, watch the vehicle ahead pass a static marker point. A tree, a phone box, a lamp-post, a motorway bridge or any other fixed reference point.
As the vehicle passes the fixed point, recite the following phrase at a normal speaking rate:
'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule'
This should take approximately two seconds to say.
You should have finished the phrase as, or before, you reach the fixed reference point.
If you pass the point before you finish speaking, you are too close to the vehicle in front; pull back and try again.
In poor weather conditions your gap should be at least double.
As the vehicle passes the fixed point, recite the following phrase at a normal speaking rate:
'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule - and more time in the wet' This should take approximately four seconds to say.
Again, you should have finished the phrase as, or before, you reach the fixed reference point.
Initially the gap might seem to you to be very large – if this is the case, it's indicative of the fact that up to now, you have been driving dangerously close and trusting 'good luck' to keep you alive.

Tyres and tarmac

The two-second-rule will help you to maintain a safe distance when your car is moving, but you must also consider the gap to the front when you stop in traffic queues.

• What if the car in front rolls back?
• What if your foot slips off the clutch?
• What if you are facing down hill and your handbrake fails?

If you always leave enough room to steer around the vehicle in front the gap should be big enough for any eventuality (about 2 metres).
An easy way to measure this for yourself is to use the 'tyres and tarmac' rule. When stopped behind another vehicle you should be able to see its rear tyres and some of the road surface behind them.

If you are travelling at 50 mph and someone overtakes, you are still travelling at 50 mph and have not lost anything.

Keeping a safety space to the rear

If the vehicle behind is following too closely, you need to increase your forward safety gap. Doing this will protect you and the driver behind in an emergency because there will be enough room for you both to stop safely.
Another easy way to control this gap is to allow the vehicle behind you to overtake; this will make no difference to your journey time but it will reduce the risk of a rear end shunt and a broken neck. You are not in a race!
I often come across drivers who seem to consider that when they are overtaken, the other drivers are 'stealing their space'. This is insanity!

At any time there are millions of vehicles joining roads behind you and ahead of you.
If you are travelling at 50 mph and someone overtakes, you are still travelling at 50 mph and have not lost anything.
If you are male and consider being overtaken an 'affront to your manhood' – see a doctor and get a life! (Another term might be 'grow up'!)

If you regularly find that you are stressed by vehicles following too close behind, start to allow a little longer for your journeys. And use the extra time to slow down and let people pass. It might well be that the driver behind is an idiot. All the more reason to have him in front where you can see him!'

How do you like tailgaters?

A sure way to get a tailgater to follow even more closely is to 'bang on the brakes to teach him a lesson'.
You won't teach him anything. Except that he is having a bad day and that he has an idiot in front. By all means show your brake lights early when you see a problem ahead, but don't get mad!
For lots of information about dealing with tailgaters see the SmartDriving section on 'Tailgating'.

Reversing

When reversing, you have direct control over your rear safety gap.
The important point to remember here is to drive slowly, so that you can always stop safely if required.
Perhaps more important than speed when reversing is knowing that there is a gap. Its easy to see the road or car-park 3 or 4 metres back, but what's immediately behind you.
The blind spot immediately behind can be a particular problem with larger SUV's (4x4's) and 'people carriers' but it is still an issue with smaller cars. Sadly, almost every year we hear a tragic story of someone, often a parent, running over a child because they did not know that the child was behind the car.
If you regularly reverse in situations where there are kids around, fit a special 'rear blind spot' lens, mirror or camera.

Less space... Less speed.

Keeping a safety space to the sides

You need space to the sides to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, oncoming vehicles, horses and many other hazards.
You can control this space by holding back from narrow gaps until you are 100 per cent certain that there is enough room for error.
Allow at least two metres' (two yards') clearance when passing cyclists – a court case some years ago laid down the principle that a cyclist is entitled to wobble!

Another way to gauge an absolute minimum safe distance past cyclists is to imagine the bike, and and adult rider, lying flat on the road – how much space would they take up?

One of the biggest problems with space to the sides is found in side streets packed with parked vehicles.
Sometimes you have no choice but than to squeeze through a narrow gap. In these situations slow down to compensate – this might mean walking pace.
A court ruling in the UK determined that a cyclist has a 'right to wobble' - leave enough wobble space!

All conditions are temporary! Stay alert and drive in the moment...

Life can become very temporary for those who get it wrong by not leaving a safe space...

Making allowances for temporary conditions

You will sometimes need to have extra space around you.
Think about how the following factors may affect the safety gap that you need to leave.

• Driving when you are tired
• Driving when you are unwell
• Driving a strange car
• Driving in wet weather 
• Driving in windy weather
• Driving in fog
• Driving on snow and ice 
• Driving when preoccupied by personal problems 
• Driving in a strange place 
• Driving a car with a full load
• Driving at school time

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/DefensiveDriving/Space/Space.htm

Tailgating - Following too close

How many times have you looked in your driving mirrors and seen the word 'OVLOV' (Volvo - backwards) written in large letters against the backdrop of a huge radiator grill filling all the available view.

Tailgating is a habit that most people get away with most of the time. By 'get away with' I mean that they are not involved in accidents and do not get stopped by the police; because of this, their perception of danger is diminished.

Some categories of tailgaters ...

• Dreamers
• The distracted
• The short sighted 
• Winners
• Bullies

Each of these are explained on the next page - this section also has some solutions to help you deal with drivers who follow too closely.

But who are these tailgaters listed above, and why do they do it? Let's start close to home.

• When was the last time that you had to brake sharply to avoid colliding with the car in front?
• Or cursed under your breath (or out loud!) because the driver in front was holding you up?

The next page explains each type from the list above... Do you fit any of them?

Different types of tailgaters

Most of us consider that we keep a safe distance; however, if you have had to brake suddenly because the idiot in front has taken emergency action or is simply dithering, you have been following too close. If you have been following too close, which category do you fall in to?

Dreamers

Dreamers are drivers who often drift off into a daydream behind the wheel.
Dreamers pay very little attention to what is going on around because there are more important things in life to think about! After all, who cares what's happening in front when you're thinking about a date, a new hairstyle, your girlfriend, getting away from it all ... We all daydream, but there's a time and a place - maybe that's not when we are driving.
Lots of dreamers end up getting away from it all ... permanently!

The distracted

We all get distracted from time to time, however, some drivers have developed distraction to a fine art.
Perhaps the most obvious are those who persist in believing that it is safe to use their mobile phones or other communication devices on the move. I've seen truck drivers watching TV, drivers reading newspapers, map readers and drivers trying to control their kids.
Then there was the lady who commuted from Birmingham to London and found the journey so boring that she devised a contraption to strap 'puzzle books' to her left knee. She did this so that she could while away the journey by completing crosswords and other brain teasers (although she didn't have a clue when she was stopped by the police!).
Still, if you are a compulsive reader or puzzle book addict, your 'hobby' will be useful to pass the time if you are faced with a long convalescence period (after you crash).

The short-sighted

While not literally short-sighted (although I sometimes wonder!) these drivers are unable to relate their speed to their overall journey time. In their impatience to 'get there' , they try to gain extra seconds by sitting inches away from your rear bumper.
The short-sighted along with the winners (see below) have the capacity to become aggressive if they feel that you are being unreasonable by taking up the piece of road that is rightfully theirs.
If you look far enough into the future, you will discover that there comes a point where time doesn't matter any more - that's where you are heading.
Ten seconds saved on your journey is not ten seconds added to your life - and the risks involved might well result in 20 years being subtracted from your life ...

The winners

The winner just has to come first and pass any other driver who has the audacity to be in front of him.
The crazy thing is, they don't 'win' - the cars that they pass won't appear on their driveways 10 seconds behind them. There is no one waiting at home with a chequered flag!
Winners drive in your slipstream and will overtake at any cost; they seem totally ignorant of the fact that however many vehicles they overtake there will still be a few thousand more in front.
I often wonder if winners are like train-spotters keeping a notebook with the registration marks of all the vehicles they have passed.
If you are one of the winners here's a thought for you ... Only another 22 million or so registration numbers to collect and then you'll have the set!

The bullies

There seem to be a small minority of drivers out there who get some kind of warped pleasure from harassing others. This behaviour was taken to an extreme in France and some other European countries in the 1990's with a spate of drivers being literally 'bumped' off the road from behind.
The best thing to do with bullies is to ignore them. They thrive on attention. Refuse to be a victim and they have no one to bully - just pull over and let them pass.
Brawn, maybe ... Brains? Definitely not!

Some others

There are others who could almost be forgiven for their tailgating, however, the risks are not diminished and in some cases could be greater.
Maybe the tailgater is rushing to an emergency, perhaps with a pregnant wife on board.
Or it could be a dreamer who is driving that way because he/she has just received some life changing news.
Then there are the advanced drivers who take up an 'attack position' prior to overtaking, but who leave less than the recommended absolute minimum one-second gap. These drivers are keen on road safety but have somehow missed the point!
It helps to recognise that whatever is happening in the mind of the driver behind it's not personal - the other drivers don't know you, all they see is some idiot in front who is in the way - if these drivers were to glance at the sat-nav estimated time of arrival the would see that it doesn't change whether they are 10 car lengths behind or 50 and that there is virtually no change even if they overtake 20 cars! They are simply stuck in their own blinkered world's.

Solutions?

The first thing to consider is whether or not you are causing or aggravating the tailgating situation. I don't want to be impolite...
But are you a 'road hog'?
While there is no excuse for the dangerous practice of tailgating, some might argue that there are sometimes mitigating circumstances.
Do you drive too slowly on open roads?
No one expects you to drive like Lewis Hamilton; however, it is reasonable to expect drivers to make progress on today's busy roads. If you are enjoying a day out in the country, or are simply in a mellow mood, pull over from time-to-time and allow others to pass.
Perhaps you're a 'speed cop'?
Some drivers take it upon themselves to enforce the speed limits. An example of this is the motorway driver who sits in lane three at 70mph when there are opportunities to move back into lane two (It's your neck!).
Just plain lazy?
Many drivers sit for prolonged periods in lane-two of the motorway, presumably because it's too much trouble to move back to lane-one. This behaviour can be frustrating for any following driver, but is especially so for truck drivers who lack power and need to maintain their momentum, especially on uphill gradients. By modifying your own behaviour you can do a lot to reduce the risk posed by tailgaters. However, there will always be times when you are innocent but still feel harassed.

What are your options?

If you are faced with a tailgater there are various courses of action that you can take to deal with the situation ...

Just grin and bear it
The first and most obvious choice is to grin and bear it - in other words: do nothing.
While the fact that you do not get annoyed by the driver behind might show great strength of character, it still leaves you vulnerable if the car ahead stops suddenly; even if you can stop safely, the following driver is almost bound to hit you.
Teach him a lesson!
A common reaction by many people is to brake sharply in an attempt to 'teach the following driver lesson'. Other drivers will touch the brake pedal lightly to illuminate the brake lights without slowing the car down.
On the face of it, this second option might seem like a good idea - after all, you are simply giving the driver a wake-up call. However, you could provoke a road rage incident with disastrous consequences; it's also possible that driver behind could over react causing someone to slam into the back of his car.
Speed up to escape
Never a good idea!
By speeding up you are decreasing your forward safety gap when there is a car in front. If you are on an open road you are at of risk driving blindly into danger without enough space to stop in an emergency.
Added to this, there is a strong chance that the following driver will simply speed up with you; you will then have a situation where you are travelling faster, still being tailgated, and not paying sufficient attention to the road ahead because you are distracted by the tailgater!
Double your forward safety gap
This is often cited as the solution for the tailgating problem. But even this solution carries a degree of potential risk.
While the extra gap ahead will allow both you and your follower to stop safely, it could provoke erratic overtaking manoeuvres as the follower sees his gap! This is particularly dangerous where visibility is restricted or in double white line systems. 

The best solution?

Perhaps the best solution is one that was, as far as we know, devised by fleet safety expert Dave Nickerson.
Dave suggests that you should simply add one second to your forward safety gap.
By easing back gently and opening the gap ahead you will create more time and space in an emergency.
The extra second will allow time for you to spread your braking in order to give the following driver time to react. You can then slow down and open your forward gap to double, or greater, when a safe overtaking opportunity arises.
By simply opening your forward gap by a second is reduces the risk of erratic overtaking - especially important where there are double white lines or there is a restricted view.
Let them pass ... If the driver stays behind, slow down further or pull in and allow him to pass. I would, however, suggest that you leave out the 'cheery wave' as he drives by!
Finally, keep in mind the fact that you are not there to pass judgment. We all know that drivers who follow to close are dangerous, but remember that there are many reasons for tailgating. Your job is to stay safe for the sake of yourself and your loved ones when the situation arises. If you feel angry about the situation, note the registration number of the offending vehicle and report it to the police - at least that way you'll still be alive to complain when they tell you that they are unable to take any action!

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/DefensiveDriving/Tailgaters/tailgaters.html