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DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC

Friday, December 16th, 2011
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This time of year there is increased congestion on all types of roads; Christmas shopping, families travelling away for the holiday break, and poor weather all contribute to extra traffic on the road.

Here are some useful tips to help you avoid the increase in journey times and frustration this can cause.

Journey planning

  • Wherever possible plan to avoid busy times of day.  Major congestion is caused by school/work related travel in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening, so avoid these times if you can.
  • Avoid specific areas where congestion is likely on the approach to Christmas, unless you need to drive there.  For example, town centres, out of town supermarkets and shopping centres.  Do your own shopping early!
  • Avoid specific days when travel will be at its heaviest, especially for long journeys.  For example, early Christmas Day is likely to be much less congested than Christmas Eve.
  • Plan your route before you start, particularly for long journeys.  Have an alternative in case your original route is blocked.  Make use of Sat-Nav systems, internet route planners, maps and consult the Highways Agency Information Line on www.highways.gov.uk/traffic  for updated information on likely congestion.
  • Build in additional time for your journey, especially for long distances.  Being early is better than becoming anxious and frustrated by worries about being late.

During the drive

  • Always keep a good space around your car and keep looking well ahead. This will give you good visibility and you will get early warning of congestion problems ahead.  Drive so that you can always stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
  • Be patient and don’t respond to any hostility from other drivers.  Reacting badly will only make the situation worse.
  • Some stretches of motorway have variable speed limits during times of congestion.  These appear on the gantries above the lanes and you must not exceed these limits.  They are designed to keep traffic moving at a constant flow and so avoid bunching and stopping/starting.
  • In shopping areas, drivers may be looking for parking spaces and may stop suddenly.  Roads around car parks may be partly blocked by traffic waiting for spaces.  Always anticipate other road users and plan accordingly.
  • Pedestrians may be concentrating on their shopping rather than the road, so be aware they may step into the road without looking properly.  At this time of year excited children may not take as much care as usual, so ensure you are alert at all times.
  • If you are in congested, slow moving traffic, watch for pedestrians stepping out between your car and the vehicle in front.
  • In congested traffic watch out for cyclists.  Especially look for them in your mirrors as they may be able to travel faster than you.  Allow them plenty of room.

Drive with extra caution during this winter weather.  Check out our previous blog posts about winter driving to ensure you are fully prepared before setting out on your journey.

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The Peterborough Triangle

Friday, August 5th, 2011
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We continue our series on local hazards by taking a look at “The Peterborough Triangle”. Our guide is Ian Parsons from RED Driving School.

Peterborough Triangle off Lincoln Road

  • When leaving Millfield travelling north on Lincoln Road towards the triangle you will see the road forks off into two directions.
  • The road to the right is no entry.
  • You must follow the road to your left into Maskew Avenue. 
  • This stretch of road is one way with give-way road markings marked on the road. 

CAUTION: these road markings are not very visible and are consequently often missed by learners and qualified drivers alike.

  • You will then be giving way to traffic coming southbound from Lincoln Road on your extreme right!
  • The road ahead splits into three lanes.  The left lane will take you onto Bourges Boulevard heading back towards the city centre, the middle is to go straight ahead following Maskew Avenue and the third is to turn right into Bourges Boulevard leading back towards Lincoln Road.
  • If you are turning right into Bourges Boulevard (keeping on the triangle) you will then notice the road comes back down to two lanes.  The left lane will take you back to Lincoln Road heading towards New England and the right lane will hold you in the triangle, taking you back southbound on Lincoln Road toward Millfield.

CAUTION: if you are turning right be careful as you will encounter a sharp turn to your right with a pedestrian crossing on it, which is often missed. 

  • Immediately after the pedestrian crossing you must once again give way as you are emerging into traffic from your left.
  • On emerging from this ensure you are in the correct lane.  The left lane will take you back to Millfield.  If you follow the road on your right this will lead you back into the triangle towards Maskew Avenue. 
  • Keep an eye on the traffic on your left as you re-enter the triangle as you are on the other side of the road from where it all started.  Remember at the beginning of this I said to make sure you see the give way markings on the road?  Well you are now approaching that area and you are now the person on the extreme right!  Beware of traffic not seeing the faded give way road markings and suddenly emerging onto the triangle!

Maybe it should be renamed the Bermuda Triangle! 

Key lessons to take from the Peterborough Triangle:

  1. Always proceed at an appropriate speed to the road situation
  2. Pay attention to road signs and road markings
  3. Ensure you are in the correct lane for the direction of travel
  4. Always anticipate other road users – especially as you now know the key areas where other cars and pedestrians might unexpectedly enter the triangle!

Click here to view the Peterborough Triangle on Google’s Streetview.

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How to pass your practical test – part three

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
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This is the final part of our series on the practical manoeuvres you may be asked to do in your driving test. We have already covered some top tips and the emergency stop, and last week we covered the two parking manoeuvres.

This week we will begin by discussing the turn in the road. This exercise requires you to demonstrate smooth control of the car and good observations. It will help if you break down the manoeuvre into three stages. You may also find reference points helpful so that you are aware of where the kerb is. Using whiteboard markers to make your reference points would be useful as the ink wipes off of the windows.

Always be thinking of how much you need to turn by and when you need to turn. Make sure that you continue your observations, and in particular, that you look over your shoulder when reversing. Make sure that you use the width of the road but that you do not get too close to the kerb. There can be inconsistencies in marking when hitting or nudging the kerb, generally depending on the speed at which you were to do so.

Photo by rosipaw

The final manoeuvre is the left reverse around a corner. Once again, you need to demonstrate smooth control of the car. You might find that breaking the manoeuvre into sections may help make it easier. Always remember to look behind your shoulder as you are reversing, and make sure you have a safety check over your right shoulder before turning in.

As with the other manoeuvres, markers should make the process much simpler and easier. Like before, think about when you need to turn and by how much. Observations are crucial in every manoeuvre; you must always be aware of what is going on around you. Make sure that you do not go too wide and that you do not cross the central lane markings. Keep close to the kerb but not so close that you risk hitting it. Make sure you straighten up on time and that you finish the manoeuvre looking behind you.

If you follow these tips, and spend time talking to your instructor about the manoeuvres, you have a better chance at passing your test. You could always discuss the manoeuvres with other learners and driving instructors on our Facebook group.

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Posted in Driving lessons, Driving test, Driving tips, Miscellaneous, RED Driving School | 2 Comments »

 

RED Driving Schools top tips for revising for your theory test

Friday, March 4th, 2011
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Photo by dbrooker1

Despite the cold, frosty evenings, there’s no doubt that spring is on the way.  With daffodils blooming and the sun beginning to warm up those once chilly afternoons, you may be thinking ahead to those summer holidays and camping trips with friends.

With this in mind, you may be planning to take your theory test soon in order to get that bit closer to the ultimate goal of passing your driving test, and the freedom of being able to drive anywhere you like! Therefore, we have created a list of top tips for how to revise for your driving theory test.

  • Only use DSA publications to revise so that you do not become confused with different wordings and phrases
  • Use your practical lessons to practice Theory and Hazard perception on the move
  • If you come across any questions or answers you don’t understand, take them to your instructor on your lesson and ask them to explain it – understanding why helps you remember more easily
  • A Hazard Perception technique enjoyed by pupils, used in practical driving lessons, was to gently tap the steering wheel when you would click on the Hazard perception video.  This way your instructor can help you with learning what to look for and when to react.
  • Make a timetable of when you are going to practise and stick to it – you could record you progress too
  • Buddy up with a friend to ask each other questions, it’s fun and you both learn together

    Photo by Valley Library (Oregon State University)

  • Get the setting right, practice in a place with no distractions – either quiet or if you prefer to listen to music play something that won’t distract you
  • Having your mobile phone off and closing other computer programs will reduce the number of distractions and will help simulate the test conditions for the day
  • Revise early in the day and take regular breaks so that you don’t feel too tired to take in more information. You’ll also be less likely to make mistakes.
  • Do lots of mock tests! This is the best way to prepare for the day!
  • Make sure you eat well, exercise and get a good night’s sleep the night before your test!

If you have any tips of your own of fun effective ways to lean your theory, why not pop onto our Facebook page and share your thoughts with us!

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Posted in Driving test, Driving tips, Miscellaneous, RED Driving School | 1 Comment »

 

Winter driving advice: driving in snow and icy weather

Thursday, November 25th, 2010
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It appears that winter has finally arrived.  Cold, frosty mornings have turned to snow covered hills and mountains for a large majority of us.  While this is well received by those of us who like to ‘play’ in the snow, these difficult winter driving conditions present a whole new set of problems for motorists driving in snow.

With this in mind, there are a few things to consider that will help reduce the level of risk these conditions present.

Is your journey necessary?
In winter, especially if the weather doesn’t look good, it is advisable to check the local forecast before setting out.  If snow or ice is forecast, the best advice is; don’t drive unless your journey is essential.

Planning for your journey
If you consider that your journey is necessary, it is useful to carry the following items, in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down:

Photo by kuyman

•    De-icer / ice scraper
•    Anti freeze
•    A torch
•    Warm drink and emergency food
•    Warm clothing and boots
•    A first aid kit
•    A fully charged mobile phone
•    Jump leads
•    A spade or shovel.

Before setting out
You should give yourself plenty of time to clear the car of any snow or ice.  This includes clearing all your windows so that you can see clearly all around.  Clear the snow from the bonnet and roof so that it doesn’t fly off and cause a danger to other road users.

You should also ensure all lights are clean and free from snow so they can be seen by other road users.

You should also wait until your demister and heater are working well enough to keep the whole of the inside of your windscreen and rear window clear.

Photo by soundfromwayout

TOP TIP! When clearing the screen, take care not to damage the wiper blades as these may have been frozen to the screen.  Never use boiling water to clear the windscreen; you could break the glass.  Instead, use water that is barely lukewarm or even cold – this is still warmer than ice and will start the defrosting process.

Driving in snow
If you find yourself driving in falling or freshly fallen snow, there are some key safety issues to remember:

•    You should increase the gap between you and vehicle in front – the stopping distances can easily be ten times longer in snow and icy conditions

•    It is advisable for you to test your brakes, very gently, from time to time.  However, make sure you check your mirrors before braking.  Snow packed around the wheels and brake linkages can affect steering and braking

•    If the adverse weather conditions mean that your visibility is in any way reduced, you should use your headlights – this will alert other road users to your presence

Photo by Chris Campbell

•    Be prepared to clear the windscreen by hand.  Your wipers, even with the aid of the heater, may not be able to sweep the snow clear.  If you do need to clear the windscreen by hand, you should stop in a safe place, where possible.  It is also a good idea to check your lights and indicators at the same time as they may also need to be cleared.  Snow can collect and pack around them, making it difficult for other road users to see you.

Starting off in snow
If you have to stop in snow, it can be difficult to start again.  Therefore, it is advisable to leave a bigger gap than usual between you and the vehicle in front.  To reduce the chance of wheel-spin, you should use the highest gear possible with light acceleration.

If you experience wheel-spin when you’re starting off in deeper snow, don’t race the engine because the wheels will dig in further.  Try to move the car slightly backwards and then forwards out of the rut.  Use the highest gear you can to move off.

TOP TIP! In these conditions, it’s worthwhile carrying a spade and some old sacks.  These can be useful to help you get going when you’re stuck in snow.

Snow chains are available which can be fitted over existing wheels and tyres.  These will help you avoid getting stuck and also reduce the danger of skidding.  There are also ‘M & S’ (mud and snow) tyres available.  These have a tread pattern that is specifically designed for these conditions.

Stopping on snow or ice
If you do need to brake, ensure this is done gently otherwise you risk ‘locking’ the wheels.  If the front wheels lock, you cannot steer, meaning you cannot keep yourself out of trouble.

It is advisable to use a lower gear earlier than normal;

Photo by canong2fan

allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently and early to keep your speed under control.

For vehicles without anti-lock braking systems (ABS), in slippery conditions you should repeatedly apply and release the brakes to slow the vehicle down and enable you to keep control.  This will provide a certain amount of steering control.  ABS systems may reduce the risk of the vehicle instability when braking on snow and ice.  However, they cannot compensate for poor judgement or excessive speed.   They will not help your tyres stay in contact with the road surface in ice or snow.

Summary
Ultimately, if you do find that your journey is necessary or even unavoidable, it is up to you, the driver, to drive with great care, even if the roads have been treated.  Anticipate not only how a change in conditions affects your driving, but also how they affect other road users.  Keep in mind that conditions can change very quickly over very short distances.  Therefore it is important to stay alert and always be prepared to slow down and, if necessary, stop, to keep yourself and other road users safe.

Posted in Driving tips, Road safety, Winter driving | 2 Comments »

 

Car sidelights: what are the driving rules and regs?

Monday, November 22nd, 2010
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When we hear the term ‘sidelights’, most drivers will automatically think of the small / dim lights on the front of the vehicle.

Photo by madmarv00

However, this term also includes the rear number plate light.

In some cars, these lights come on automatically when the engine is switched on.

It is true to say that sidelights are of limited use when compared with headlights, particularly in winter weather conditions.  However, there are certain times where their use is vitally important.  We’ll cover this in our fifth winter driving blog post:

Sunset and Sunrise

Sidelights must be switched on between sunset and sunrise even in brightly lit areas as they will help other road users to see your vehicle.

If you have a dark coloured car, you may consider switching on these lights earlier.

Parking

Photo by Keoki Seu

Sidelights must be switched on when your car is parked on a road (or a lay-by on a road) where the speed limit is greater than 30mph.  This will make it easier for other road users, particularly motor vehicles, to see you.

They must also be switched on if your vehicle, for unavoidable reasons, is parked on any road in fog.

In summary; although sidelights do not provide enough light for you to effectively plan your drive at night, they can, when used correctly, provide valuable information to other road users, thus reducing the risk of you and your vehicle being involved in a road traffic incident.

Next week we’ll look at driving in snow and ice to prepare you for the impending colder weather!

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Full beam headlights – our guide to considerate driving

Monday, November 15th, 2010
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With winter fast approaching, most drivers will, at some point, drive during the hours of darkness.  When driving at night, your vision is restricted and you cannot see a far as you can in daylight; therefore less information is available to you.

As a result, your vehicle’s headlights are the most important source of information for both you and other road users.  They tell other drivers your movements, so it is important that you use them with care and consideration.

Under normal circumstances, when driving on lit roads, you should use dipped headlights.  However, to enable you to see as far ahead as possible, and better predict the road and traffic conditions on unlit roads, you should normally use main (full) beam.

With this in mind, here’s our helpful guide to using main beam; the fourth blog post in our winter driving series.

Photo by tibchris

Meeting oncoming traffic
When meeting other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, you should ‘dip’ your headlights in good time, although not too early, to avoid dazzling them.  It is advisable to check the left hand verge before you dip your headlights to identify any dangers e.g. a pedestrian that you need to be aware of.

Following another vehicle / overtaking
When following another vehicle, you should dip your headlights and allow sufficient gap so that your lights do not dazzle the driver in front.  If you are overtaking another vehicle, move out early with your headlights dipped.  When you are alongside the other vehicle, return your lights to main beam.  If you are being overtaken, you should dip your lights as soon as the overtaking vehicle passes you and keep them dipped until they can be raised again without dazzling the other driver.

On a bend
When driving on left hand bends, you should dip your headlights earlier.  This is because your lights will ‘cut across’ anyone coming towards you.  On right hand bends, this is less likely to happen so you won’t need to dip your headlights quite so soon.

Photo by SlinkyDragon

Dazzle
Any driver can make a mistake.  If an oncoming vehicle dazzles you and your visibility is greatly reduced, look to the left hand verge.  This enables you to keep your course.  However, as you may not be able to see the road ahead, it is advisable to slow down or even stop if necessary.

Main (full) beam provides drivers with improved vision on unlit roads.

However, you should ensure that you are always able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear, or within the range of your headlights.

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Car headlights – when to use and when not to use

Monday, November 8th, 2010
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Do you know when you should be using your car headlights and the rules for usage and best practice?

Photo by Swamibu

Read our guide on headlights, which forms the third part of our winter driving series.

Headlights help you to see and be seen by others and must be used when visibility is seriously reduced.

They need to be checked regularly and kept clean or they will be less effective.

Key tips for headlight usage:

•    At night or during the day with poor visibility
Use the main beam on unlit roads as this enables you to see the greatest distance, unless you are following another vehicle or meeting oncoming traffic.  In these cases, dip your lights to avoid dazzling other road users.  Keep headlights dipped in built up areas.

•    In fog
Don’t use the main beam headlights in fog as the fog will reflect the light back and could dazzle you.  Use dipped headlights instead, along with fog lights.  These will be seen from a greater distance than sidelights.

•    In heavy rain or snow
Poor weather conditions can drastically reduce your visibility, so use headlights to make your presence clear to other roads users.

When driving, avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights as this can cause disorientation; if an oncoming vehicle leaves its main beam on, don’t retaliate by leaving yours on.

Photo by frozenchipmunk

Headlights on a left-hand bend need to be dipped earlier as they will cut across the vision of anyone coming towards you.

Remember that extra weight at the rear of the vehicle could raise the angle of the headlight beam and dazzle other road users.  In many modern vehicles you can adjust this.

Switch off headlights when parked or they can confuse and dazzle other road users.

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Driving tips for low winter sun conditions

Monday, November 1st, 2010
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If you’ve read our blog post from 11 October, you’re already up to speed with how to best prepare your car for the winter weather.

For the second instalment of our winter driving series, we’re covering the dangerous driving conditions created by the sun’s glare.

In a recent article in the Telegraph, the Institute of Advanced Motorists highlighted government figures that suggest that glare from the sun was a cause of in excess of 2,500 injury crashes in 2009, as many as headlamp dazzle and bad weather combined.

Photo by stevec77

One of the main problems when driving in sunny conditions is glare. This can seriously reduce your ability to see and plan the road ahead.

Glare is increased when driving in low winter sun, particularly where the roads are wet from rain or snow. This is mainly due to the reflection off the road surface. The situation can be worsened by having a dirty windscreen.

With these points in mind, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you are prepared to deal with these conditions:

  • Keep your windscreen clean and grease free, both inside and out
  • Where visibility is reduced, lower your speed to allow you more time to respond to hazards
  • Be particularly aware of pedestrians and cyclists as they are more difficult to see
  • Be more aware of following vehicles; they may also be affected by the sun’s glare
  • Wear sunglasses and/or use your visor to cut out as much glare as possible
  • Avoid looking directly into the sun.

Low winter sun poses a real danger to road users at this time of year with the clocks going back.  Remember to always drive within the speed limits, at an appropriate speed for the road conditions, and heed the advice we have given to help you stay safe on the roads this winter.

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Posted in Car maintenance, Driving tips, Winter driving | 1 Comment »

 

Winter driving – is your car ready for the winter weather?

Monday, October 11th, 2010
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We don’t want to admit it, but winter is fast approaching.

Your car has a lot to endure during winter months – cold weather, slippery roads, salt and sand on the streets.

Make sure you read our guide to ensure your car is well maintained and you’re well prepared before setting off in the car over the winter period.

Part I

“Seeing is believing”
It’s so important that your wind screen is clear at all times.  Hands up those of you who have impatiently scraped away a tiny patch of ice before you set off in the morning?

Icy windscreen

Photo by nedsolo

As much as time is often against us, you should allow time to clear your entire wind screen, as well as all other windows and door mirrors before starting your journey.

Here are some top tips to ensure visibility from within the vehicle is not compromised:

1.    Mirrors
•    Keep a dry cloth handy and clean all inside glass and mirrors
•    Wipe the windows dry before you set out on a journey
•    Use your demisters, if your car has a heated windscreen use it early.  Also, use your heated rear window to maintain your rear vision
•    Open your windows to clear the mist, if necessary
•    If your car is fitted with air conditioning, this can assist with cleaning the windows
•    The cleaner the glass, the sooner the wipers can clear the outside of the screen
•    Always keep the washer bottle topped up
•    In dirty weather conditions, clean your windscreen, windows, indicators and lights as often as necessary.

2.    Wipers, windscreen, washer fluid
•    Windscreen wipers are critical to winter driving; consider installing winter wipers
•    Good visibility is crucial – don’t forget to clean your windscreen and other windows inside and out.  You can use glass polish to clean the inside if smeary, but your air conditioning will help moderate condensation on cold windows
•    Windscreen washer fluid should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the chance of freezing in icy conditions.  If the washer jets don’t spray properly, clean and adjust them.

Part II

Regular car maintenance will help it cope with the elements during the harsher months.  Here’s our top tips for protecting and maintaining your car during the winter period.

3.    Car cleaning
In this area of maintenance there are two options:

Car wash sign

Photo by Kansas Sebastian

•    The good old-fashioned self-clean
•    The modern-day car wash.

With regard to self-cleaning it is important that you have a supply of the necessary washing materials, e.g. supply of water, car shampoo, bucket, sponge, leather, a means of rinsing; pressure-washer possibly.

If you go down the route of the car wash it is important to research a few of them to find the best in terms of performance, cost and locality to home.

You will also need to vacuum the car regularly, whether this is done at home or in the same garage as the car wash.  Again it is important that the machine provides good service and is reliable.

4.    Protecting the car body
•    Winter is harsh on your car’s body; moisture, sand and road salt damage the exterior paintwork and speed up the corrosion process.  If road salt is common on the roads in your area during winter, consider rust proofing your vehicle
•    It’s a good idea to wax your car before winter – wax will help to preserve the paint. Scratches and stone chips will more likely corrode after winter so touch-up or repair any damages to your car’s paint before winter

Karate Kid "wax on, wax off"

Photo by ogimogi

•    Remove any leaves and other debris accumulated during other seasons from under the cowl panel below the windscreen and in other areas.  If left, you risk the leaves blocking water drains and collecting moisture
•    Wash your car more often in winter.  Moisture, salt and dirt get accumulated inside the wheel wells, under the doors and other areas, which can often cause corrosion
•    Consider buying winter floor mats – they will help to keep the water from leaking under the car’s carpet, which could cause corrosion to the wiring and electronic components.  Modern cars have a lot of electronics under the carpet.

We’ve covered how to ensure good visibility from within the vehicle as well as how to maintain your car to give it the best chance of holding up against the winter elements.

To finish, here’s our handy checklist to make sure you’re well prepared:

Materials – our checklist
With the above in mind you will be required to keep an on-board supply of items in order to continue maintaining your car so it is up to standard:
•    Cleaning cloths
•    Chamois
•    Screen wipes
•    Vacuum cleaner and/or dustpan and brush
•    Air freshener
•    Bottle of water
•    Screen wash.

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