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Jun 23 2014
Drink driving – highway code rule 95

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.

Alcohol will

give a false sense of confidence
reduce co-ordination and slow down reactions
affect judgement of speed, distance and risk
reduce your driving ability, even if you’re below the legal limit
take time to leave your body; you may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening
The best solution is not to drink at all when planning to drive because any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport.

Law RTA 1988 sects 4, 5 & 11(2)

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for everyone.
Rule 95

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Feb 23 2014
white diagonal stripes or chevrons – highway code rule 130

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for everyone.

Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.

If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.

Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)

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Dec 31 2013
Rule 96, Highway code – drugs & Medicine

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for everyone.
Rule 96

You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Using illegal drugs is highly dangerous. Never take them if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in fatal or serious road crashes.

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Oct 3 2013
Skids – highway code rule 119

Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover.

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Jan 6 2013
Drink / drug driving

THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE
Alcohol and drugs
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone. Here’s a reminder about alcohol and drugs.

Rule 95

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.

Alcohol will:

give a false sense of confidence reduce co-ordination and slow down reactions

affect judgement of speed, distance and risk

reduce your driving ability, even if you’re below the legal limit

take time to leave your body; you may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening
The best solution is not to drink at all when planning to drive because any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport.

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Jan 6 2013
Driving on motorways – Highway code

THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE
Motorways

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone. Here’s a reminder about motorways .

Rule 266

Approaching a junction. Look well ahead for signals or signs. Direction signs may be placed over the road. If you need to change lanes, do so in good time.

At some junctions a lane may lead directly off the motorway. Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated on the overhead signs.

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Dec 17 2012
Driving in adverse weather conditions

THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone. Here’s a reminder about driving in adverse weather conditions.

Rule 229

Before you set off:

you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.

you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.

make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.

remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.

check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.

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Dec 1 2012
Driving in wet and windy weather guidance

From the DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY – THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone. Here’s a reminder about driving in wet and windy weather.

Rule 121

Brakes affected by water. If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

Rule 227

Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (download ‘Typical stopping distances’ (PDF, 127KB)). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather you should

keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery
take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders
Rule 232

High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.

Rule 233

In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.

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Nov 6 2012
Driving in fog – Highway code rule 235

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It’s essential reading for everyone. Here’s a reminder about driving in fog.

When driving in fog you should:

– use your lights as required
– keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security
– be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
– use your windscreen wipers and demisters
– beware of other drivers not using headlights
– not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
– check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
– stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

From the DSA

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