Vulnerable road users first
Some partners are unprotected and hard to predict. Pay special attention to:
Children
Small, hard to see, unpredictable – they can’t judge speed or distance. Always be ready to brake.
Older people
Slower, often reduced hearing/sight. Give them time and patience.
Bikes & e-bikes
Narrow, easily missed, often faster than you think (e-bike). Keep your distance when overtaking.
Motorcycles
Narrow profile, distance and speed hard to judge. Easily overlooked when turning.
Large vehicles: the blind spot
Mirrors don’t cover everything. Around the vehicle – and especially around lorries and buses – there are areas you can’t see: the blind spot. That’s exactly where cyclists and motorcyclists hide.
Green = visible in the mirrors · Red = blind spot. Only a shoulder check covers it.
Road & weather: match your speed to the conditions
The single most important rule: never drive faster than visibility, weather and the road allow. Even when the speed limit would be higher.
- Rain / wet road: longer braking distance, risk of aquaplaning. Increase your distance, ease off.
- Fog: drive only as fast as you can see. Fog lights, not high beam.
- Snow & ice: greatly reduced grip, gentle steering and braking, winter tyres.
- Glare & night: low sun and darkness cut down what you can make out – react earlier.