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« on: 06 September 2017, 10:09:53 am »
Hi foccers. I was thinking recently how strange it is that some motorists make the same mistakes every day and never learn to improve.
So, I started a list of mistakes I corrected 50 years ago.
It pays dividends to clean your wing mirrors BEFORE setting off.
It is unnecessary to brake before every bend, gap, tree, oncoming vehicle and does nothing except confuse the guy behind you.
NEVER have anything loose on the floor that can roll under the brake pedal ( brown pants moment!!!)
Indicators go one way for left and the other way for right. This never changes.
Indicators are, as they imply, an indication of intended movement so never use them too early or leave them on after a turn.
If you pull on the indicator stalk when using, IT FLASHES THE HEADLIGHTS, so don't be surprised when an oncoming motorist says thankyou and turns in your path!!!
The gear shift is ALWAYS where you left it so there is no need to look down at it before every shift.
Your car is a lot faster with the handbrake OFF.
You DO need to know what is behind you ( saved me many a speeding ticket)
ALWAYS check your mirrors before turning or opening the door. Cyclists will be very happy to re-educate you on this point.
On modern cars the position of the filler cap is indicated on the fuel gauge.
White lines are there for a reason and inform you of upcoming road hazards if you take a few minutes to learn the code.
While I am on the code, read and understand The Highway Code. It contains years of hard learned wisdom.
In slow moving traffic, if you need to keep braking, you are too close to the vehicle in front.
Generally speaking, if you need to brake while going uphill, you are doing it wrong.
Generally speaking, if you need to brake excessively while going downhill, you are in the wrong gear.
Expect the unexpected.
Watch the traffic ahead for any changes in speed or position.
Watch oncoming traffic. Are they going to overtake? Is there a hazard (cyclist) which requires them to pull out etc?
Dip your headlights for oncoming traffic at night and turn your bloody rear fog light off when visibility improves.
Be PROACTIVE rather than reactive.
Remember................ CORRECT SPEED, CORRECT POSITION, CORRECT GEAR and CORRECT ATTITUDE.
I am sure you will add to or even dispute some of these but I am proud of the fact that in 50 years of motoring I have never caused nor been involved in a serious accident.