1. Search
Constantly look for potential hazards ahead, behind and on the sides.

2. Identify
Categorise the potential hazard e.g. moving, stationary, likely to cause danger.

3. Predict
Assess the possible dangers related to the hazard.

4. Decide
Select the response, which will ensure the safety of all.

To implement your response, the following procedure should be adopted:

1. Mirrors
Rear-view and side mirrors are checked before signalling your intentions.

2. Blind spot
Look over your shoulder to ensure no vehicle is hidden in the blind spot.

3. Signal
Use indicators or brake lights to signal a change in direction or for slowing down.

4. Check
Check that the road behind and on the side is still safe.

5. Brakes
Use brakes to reduce speed if necessary.

6. Gears
Change gears if necessary.

7. Blind spot
Re-check blind spot before moving to left or right.

8. Steer
If safe, move in direction indicated.

9. Speed
Accelerate as necessary.

10. Indicators
Cancel direction indicators when manoeuvre is complete.

Overtaking

• Ensure it is safe to overtake.
• Do not endanger oncoming traffic.
• Be aware of pedestrians between parked vehicles and passengers alighting from vehicles.
• Do not get too close to the vehicle ahead and do not pass by it too closely.
• Ensure that you are clear of the vehicle before returning to the left-hand side of the road.
• Signal your intention to change lanes.
• Do not overtake on a solid white barrier line.
• If unsure about overtaking, then DON'T.

Freeways

• Be aware that freeway traffic travels faster than on other roads. Modify your responses accordingly.
• Take every precaution to reduce the risk of a breakdown.
• You may not stop on a freeway unless instructed to do so by a Traffic Officer or signal or allowed to do so by a traffic sign, or for a cause beyond your control.
• Maintain a safe following distance and adhere to the speed limit.
• Keep left, pass right!
• In the event of a breakdown:
    move vehicle to left shoulder of road,
    switch on hazard lights,
    and parking lights, if dark,
    open bonnet,
    if available, use SOS phone to summon help,
    wait near vehicle for help to arrive,
    keep passengers clear of the road.

Vehicle Security

• Park in well-lit areas at night.
• Avoid isolated areas.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Fit an alarm, immobiliser or anti-theft device.
• When stopping, leave sufficient distance between the car ahead and yours, to allow you to move off if necessary. Keep the vehicle in gear.

Cell Phones

• A car or cell phone should be used only when the vehicle is stationary, unless a 'hands-free' apparatus is installed.
• When receiving a call, attempt to stop the vehicle if safe to do so, before answering the phone.

Poor Visibility  

• Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses at night.
• Switch on headlights in misty conditions. Use in dipped position.
• Always reduce speed in mist or smoke.
• Do not stop in the middle of the road if caught in thick smoke. Move off the road.
• Be alert to pedestrians.

Reversing

• Be alert for children behind the vehicle.
• Reverse for as short a distance as necessary.
• Do not endanger other traffic.

Be a Mature Driver

• Drive defensively.
• Be tolerant and patient - other drivers make mistakes, YOU CAN TOO.
• Allow for a margin of error - establish a safe following distance.
• Check mirrors and blind spots constantly.
• Be alert to potential hazards.
• Anticipate the actions of other vehicles.
• Be cautious of vehicles carrying children and pets, as the driver could easily be distracted.
• Be cautious of heavily laden vehicles as the driver's view may be reduced.
• Watch out for vehicles in poor condition, as they constitute a danger.
• A vehicle which appears to float all over the road could indicate a driver who is sleepy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Be vigilant - expect the unexpected.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel except to manipulate the controls or use hand signals.
• The radio's volume should allow you to detect a warning sound outside.
• Have your vehicle serviced and checked regularly.
• Drive smoothly - do not weave or straddle lanes
                      - accelerate or slow down as necessary when safe.