This briefing is for all drivers who drive whilst on Bron Afon business both in their own car and in Bron Afon vehicles
and provides some good practice and advice from driving safely.
What should drivers do to help them be safe on the roads?
Whilst operating a motor vehicle, drivers should practice defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving is the art of
driving so as to prevent and avoid traffic crashes, regardless of the unsafe conditions and actions created by other
drivers and adverse road and or weather conditions.
What makes a good defensive driver?
A good defensive driver will practice the following techniques:
• Glance well ahead in the direction of travel. Look 2 or 3 vehicles ahead to observe driving conditions in front
of you. This allows you to consider a condition before you reach it
• Get the “big picture”; learn to see the entire roadway. Sweep the scene, sides and back. Avoid “tunnel
vision”. Keep your eyes moving; Position vehicle slightly offset to traffic to increase your field of vision
• Always allow an escape route, leave a cushion by slowing or moving ahead of the vehicles beside you
• Keep your vehicle visible and signal your intentions early
• When stopped prior to making left turns across incoming traffic leave wheels straight to prevent being
pushed into oncoming traffic in the event of a rear-end crash
• When entering intersections practice looking left/right/left. Be sure to come to a full stop before proceeding.
• Learn to compensate for hazards such as weather, debris, potholes, loose gravel, or sand
• ALWAYS maintain a cautious driving attitude
• ALWAYS sticks to the speed limit
• Watches out for animals, children, bad drivers or other hazards
• Scan the horizon, scan on and off the road
• Check your mirrors frequently
• Be totally aware of what is in front and behind you at all times
• Takes extra care where visibility is limited particularly when reversing in vans or with trailers
• Parks legally and with courtesy to tenants – remember it is illegal under the ‘Road Traffic’ Act 1974 &
‘Traffic Management’ Act 2004 to park where your vehicle where it is deemed and obstruction and it may
result in affixed penalty notice of £70.
Reversing Tips :
• Find safe alternatives to reversing if at all possible
• Walk around the vehicle and look for obstacles or hazards before moving
• Always beware of pedestrians, but especially children. They are unpredictable!
• Reverse slowly – turn your head, use your mirrors and check both sides
• Avoid reversing over a long distance
• Look behind before reversing – not as you take off
• When reversing and turning remember to watch the front of your van/car as well
• If towing a trailer, practice reversing with the trailer in a safe location
• If possible, reverse or ‘pull-through’ into parking spaces rather than out of them.
• Take extra care when moving where you cannot see (any blind spots)
YOUR SAFETY AND THOSE OF PASSENGERS OR OTHERS WHO MAY BE HARMED BY YOUR ACTIONS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Top Ten Tips to avoid Speeding
• Check your speed frequently
• Know the limits, look for signs
• Assume lamp posts mean 30mph
• Speed limits are a maximum –
• Speed limits set the maximum speed for that road
• 20’s plenty when there are kids about
• Try no higher than 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit, It is easier to notice if you are creeping above 30 mph when
travelling in 3rd gear
• Recognise what makes you speed it could be lack of concentration, rushing etc.
• Concentrate – distracted drivers speed!
• Slow down when entering villages or where there are parked vehicles making roads narrow
• Give yourself time – plan your journey
Driving in low sunlight
According to the Department for Transport, 3,900 people are injured in incidents
involving low, dazzling sun each year. So why does it happen? Well, in winter, the sun rises and sets during the
morning/evening commute. Its low angle in the sky pushes rays below the sun visor and into the eyes of unwary drivers. It’s even worse when the road is wet, as the sun reflects off the damp surface creating glare that makes judging
distances (and spotting hazards!) very difficult. We can’t control the sun but there are some things we can do to help sources from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Driving tips for dealing with low sun in winter (safedrivingforlife.info)
Number one
A filthy screen can make dazzle even worse. If it’s covered in muck, road salt, flies, condensation or anything else
likely to block your view, then give it a good clean.
Number two
Make sure you can clear your windscreen on the move by checking the washer bottle. If it needs topping up, do it
before you start your journey.
Number three
Slow down and leave a bigger stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front. If in doubt, remember The
Highway Code rule. It says: ‘If you’re dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.’ If you ignore
this rule and end up hitting someone else’s vehicle, the police could slap you with an on the spot fine of
£100 and add three points to your licence.
Number four
Check your washer fluid levels at least once a week particularly in winter. The last thing you want is to be caught
with nothing in the bottle!
Number five
Get yourself a decent pair of sunglasses for driving.
Remember in accordance to the driving policy you must inform your Supervisor/Line Manager and Insurance if you suspect you may have committed a speeding offence.