Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass.

First Time Pass- Ruth Woodcock of Gloucester.

Congratulations to Ruth Woodcock on passing your #driving test first time at #Gloucester test centre. We know how important this pass is to you, with your work and busy family life. You have a lot of people relying on you, and this success will ease the pressure a lot. Well done, Ruth, and all of us at #John Lowe Driving wish you all the best for the future.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester. Driving Test Pass.

Driving Test Pass- Emma Hodgkinson-Last of Cheltenham.

Congratulations, Emma, on passing your #driving test today at #Cheltenham test centre. You can now look forward to driving Felix and Winter to their various activities in your lovely Mercedes.
All of us at #John Lowe Driving are delighted for you and wish you and your family the very best for 2015. Well done!!
http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org

CGI Makeover for Driving Theory Test.

The following information is from the DVSA, regarding the hazard perception part of the theory test.

The hazard perception part of the driving theory test is set to be updated with computer generated imagery (CGI) early next year (2015).

Filmed video clips are currently used to test the reaction of candidates to developing hazards on the road. The scenarios in these clips are still relevent, but the image quality is not as clear or defined as modern digital technology allows.
The first new clips show the same situations as the filmed clips, but are clearer on the screen and include updated vehicles, roads and surroundings to reflect modern day living.

These updates should be an improvement, as the ones I have seen are very clear.
As always........Be careful out there!

Thanks, John.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Photocard Driving Licence

From 8 June 2015, the photocard licence counterpart will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.

What this means for you

Photocard driving licence holders:

When DVLA stops issuing the counterpart, you should destroy yours but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence.
You’ll still be able to use the counterpart driving licence to change your address with DVLA. You can also change your address online.

Paper driving licence holders (those issued before 1998)

These will remain valid, and should not be destroyed. From 8 June 2015 endorsements/penalty points will no longer be recorded on these driving licences. This information will be held on DVLA’s driver record, and can checked online, by phone or post.
The next time you need to update your name, address or renew your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only.
Entitlements/penalty points and the status of your driving licence won’t change

Organisations and businesses that check the driving licence counterpart

DVLA is developing new digital enquiry services for launch later this year that will allow organisations and businesses (such as employers and car hire companies) to view information they can currently see on the driving licence counterpart.
These new services will be offered in addition to the existing services, but are designed for those who have a business need for real-time access to the information, and may not wish to call DVLA or be in a position to use an intermediary.
Driving licence information via these services will only be made available to those who have a right to see it, and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.
DVLA stakeholders and commercial customers can keep up to date with developments of these services through following our blog on GOV.UK.

Why is the counterpart being abolished?

The decision to abolish the counterpart was as a result of the government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation. It also aligns to DVLA’s Strategic Plan which includes commitment to simplifying our services.
The counterpart (or D740) was introduced in 1998 as part of the photocard driving licence to display information that could not be included on the photocard. This includes provisional driving entitlement categories and current endorsements/penalty points.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Interesting Driving Lesson.

Nick Butters of John Lowe Driving gave a joint lesson to friends Anna Russell and Kelly Turk.   They were able to compare and give friendly thoughts on each others skills whilst having their knowledge tested by Nick.  It also allowed them to drive under additional pressure.  Certainly not a normal lesson but Anna and Kelly considered it enjoyable and beneficial.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org/

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Anna Stec of Cheltenham.

"On my lesson this morning with John Lowe, I reversed around a corner, and reverse parked behind a parked car, with no help at all from John. We agreed the manouevres, I drove to the chosen area and got on with it! I did them each three times and all of them were up to standard.
I'm really happy, because I know that I can do them now. John has some great tips to help you remember what to do."
http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/18

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Dale Cooper of Gloucester.

"Nick Butters of John Lowe Driving taught me clutch control and a simple technique to reverse park into a bay."

Dale Cooper, Gloucester.
http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/1

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Abbie Woods of Gloucester.


"My first reverse park into a bay was successful!  Nick Butters of John Lowe Driving taught me a simple technique to achieve this."

Abbie Woods, Quedgeley, Gloucester.
http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/1

Christmas Wishes.

All of us at John Lowe Driving School wish all of our loyal learners, past and present, a very happy Christmas and a brilliant new year.
All our thanks to you all!
Always remember.........Be careful out there!

Petrol Prices.

I saw an article today, hinting that if the cost of oil keeps on sliding, then we may see the price of petrol down to 90p a litre.
It's a very nice thought in this pre Christmas week.................

Thanks, John.

Drink/Driving- It's not worth the risk!

DRINK DRIVING- It's not worth the risk

In the last 50 years road casualties caused by drink driving have fallen dramatically, but in 2012, there were still 230 deaths due to drink driving – accounting for 13% of all road fatalities. By drinking and driving, you risk your life, those of your passengers and others on the road.
Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. You risk a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.

The law

There are strict alcohol limits for UK drivers:
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is:

• 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
• 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
• 107 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

In Scotland (from 5 December 2014) the legal alcohol limit for drivers is lower at:

• 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
• 50 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
• 67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

However it is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit. The way alcohol affects you depends on:

• your weight, age, sex and metabolism (the rate your body uses energy)
• the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking
• what you’ve eaten recently
• your stress levels at the time

So if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road.

The consequences

There are strict penalties if you are convicted of drink driving, including:

• A minimum 12 month driving ban
• A criminal record
• A fine of up to £5,000
• An endorsement on your license for 11 years

However, this list does not reflect the everyday consequences of being caught drink driving which can include:

• Increase in car insurance costs
• Job loss
• Trouble getting in to countries like the USA
• The shame of having a criminal record
• Loss of independence

The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate that a drink drive conviction could cost between £20,000 - £50,000 as a result of fines, solicitors fees, increase in car insurance and loss of job.

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Brian Elder of Gloucester.


"I had driving lessons with another large company before and the instructor seemed to make it so complicated. He would try to make me do too much each lesson and I got fed up with it.

 I wanted to carry on and called John, who had a good reputation and an automatic car, which is what I needed. It's so much better, John takes me through each subject with no rush and when I can do it, we move on to something new. I can do all of the manouevres now and my fear of roundabouts has gone. My driving has really improved, and I'm glad I phoned John Lowe Driving School."

Brian Elder, Gloucester.

http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/18

New Pages.

New Pages.

We are in the process of adding new pages to our blog. We hope you find them interesting.

To start with there will be the following new pages:

• Driving Lessons Gloucester
• Driving Test Passes
• Customer Reviews
• Driving Lessons Cheltenham
• Automatic Driving Lessons
• Contact Us

You can find the page links on the Home Page.

Car Insurance- Fronting, Beware!

The fast rising costs of car insurance is resulting in a growing number of parents breaking the law by falsely telling insurance companies that they are the main driver of the car, and their child is only a named driver.
This practice is known as" fronting" and happens when a lower risk , usually older driver, insures a vehicle in their name, although the main driver is higher risk. It is often used by well meaning parents, trying , understandably, to save money. Many of these parents do not realise it is an offence.
In the younger driver age group, more licences are lost through fronting than any other reason. Fronting will bring a heavy fine and 6 penalty points, which is an automatic ban for a new driver. Future insurance costs will also be higher if you are caught.
Insurers can refuse to pay out claims and try to recover a third party claim from the parents, so the financial implications can be severe.
I can't help thinking that it cannot be beyond the wit of the insurers to flag up a warning to protect the large number of parents, who do not realise this behaviour is illegal, and advise them of other ways to reduce insurance costs(black boxes, etc.)
To make it clear, who is regarded as the main driver, the following should help:

• If a young driver regularly uses a car to drive to or from work/ college then they should be the registered main driver.
• If a young driver uses the car on a daily basis , then they should be the registered main driver.
• If the car is maintained by the young driver, then they should be the main driver.

We hope this can help, and as always, be careful out there!
Thanks, John.

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass.

First Time Pass- Louise Hinchcliffe of Gloucester.


Congratulations, Louise on your first time pass at Gloucester test centre. You certainly need that driving licence with such a full and busy life. All of us at John Lowe Driving School wish you all the best for the future. Well Done!

Louise's instructor was John Lowe.

http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/18

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Louise Hinchcliffe of Gloucester.

" I had held a U.S. licence for 30 years, when we moved back to England, and knew that I would have to pass a U.K. driving test. Where to start? We phoned a few of the national driving schools, who seemed pretty unhelpful. We then tried John Lowe Driving School, who had the automatic I was looking for and Lis in the office was so helpful and friendly, that I booked up. John Lowe was my automatic instructor, and he took me through each stage and I was ready for my test pretty quickly. 

He had some great systems for the reverse manouevres, keeping it simple but effective. The U.K. test is a lot more involved than the U.S. test and a lot more probing. I was very pleased to pass first time. I recommend John Lowe Driving School."

Louise Hinchcliffe, Gloucester.

http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/18

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review.

Customer Review from Adam Lloyd of Gloucester.

"My instructor, Tom Lowe, prepared all my lessons really well. He was always on time and between us we sorted out a lesson plan at the start of the session, so I always knew what I was doing. This always helped me a lot once I got used to it. Tom was always good company as well and I looked forward to each lesson. I passed first time and it didn't seem to take very long. I really recommend John Lowe Driving School, and ask for Tom." Adam Lloyd. http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/1

Driving Lessons Gloucester. Driving Test Pass.

  

First Time Pass- Adam Lloyd of Gloucester.

Well done Adam on your first time pass at Gloucester test centre. Your instructor, Tom Lowe, said you fully deserved it as you were cool and had prepared really well. Congrats from us all at John Lowe Driving. http://drivinglessonsgloucester.org/view/1

Driving Test Manouevres(continued.)

Reverse Parking On The Road

This manouevre is often called "parallel parking" and makes use of the vehicle's manouevrability in reverse gear to park in a restricted space.

Remember that you may be a hazard to other road users as you carry out this set piece.

Position and Observation.
Good all round observation is essential throughout this manouevre.
Position your car reasonably close to and parallel to the parked vehicle ahead of the gap, just slightly ahead of it.
Use the POM routine, as discussed in previous postings.
Using clutch control, reverse slowly, with some left steering. Look around, especially your right hand blind spot.
Try lining up the rear offside (right hand side) of your car with the nearside headlamp of the vehicle behind the space you are entering.

Straightening Up In The Gap.
Straighten up by steering to the right. Make sure you avoid clipping the car in front.
When you are sure the front of your vehicle is clear of the car in front use enough right steering to gently bring your car reasonably close to the kerb. Straighten your wheels by steering left, and adjust as necessary.

The gap you use should be at least one and a half times the length of your own vehicle.

The professional driving instructors at John Lowe Driving School, will have a lot of tips to bring this manouevre down to size, and with some practise you will not have any problems with it.

Driving Test Manoeuvres (Continued)

Turning In The Road.

This manouevre is often still called a three point turn, and can be useful when you need to turn around and you can't find a side road or opening.
It is important to apply the usual rules of control, accuracy and observation.

The key to this set piece is to move the vehicle slowly, while steering quickly. Top clutch control is essential.
Before you turn.
Choose a place where

• The road is wide enough.
• There are no obstructions in the road or on the pavement.

Position the car on the left, avoiding trees or lamp-posts.

Select 1st gear and prepare to move.

Check all round, especially blind spots and give way to passing vehicles.

Turning across the road.

Move slowly forward in 1st gear, steering quickly to full right lock. Try to get the vehicle at a right angle across the road.

Just before you reach the opposite kerb, steer quickly to the left, to set up your wheels for the reverse part. You should then stop the car before it reaches the kerb. Apply the handbrake if necessary.

To Reverse.

Select reverse gear and prepare to move.

Check it is clear all round. Looking over your left shoulder, through the rear window, ease the car slowly across the road, steering quickly to full left lock. As the car nears the kerb, look over your right shoulder, and steer quickly to the right. Stop the car and your wheels should be pointing to the right, ready for the next part.

Driving forward again.

Select first gear, check it is safe and drive forward. Straighten up on the left hand side of the road.

Remember.

All round observation is essential.

Your Driving Instructor at John Lowe Driving School will coach you fully on this and any other manouevres.

Customer Review.

"I started learning to drive with another driving school some years ago in a manual car, but the instructor was always shouting at me. This used to upset me and so I didn't really get on that well and eventually stopped learning. I left it until recently, when I decided to try automatic driving lessons with John. It really is an amazing difference, John is patient and kind, and I'm getting on really well. We started reversing today and I'm looking forward to passing. John says there is no reason why I should not pass first time." Anna Stec, Cheltenham.

Driving Test Manoeuvres

During your driving test you will be asked to complete one reverse manoeuvre, which is not too bad really. The DVSA examiner will however, be able to choose your one manoeuvre from a batch of four potential set pieces, so it is no use just learning the one, you have to be able to do all four, as you will not know which one the examiner will choose.
The four potential manoeuvres are:

• Reversing into a side road on the left.
• Turning in the road.
• Reverse parking.
• Reverse into a parking bay.

In this post, I will explain the main points to be aware of, starting with the first manoeuvre on the list, reversing into a side road, often called" reversing round a corner." I will cover the other set pieces in subsequent blogs.

Reversing Into A Side Road On The Left.

If you are asked to perform this manoeuvre on your driving test, the examiner will ask you to pull up just before the side road on the left. He will then explain that he wants you to drive slowly past the end of the road, position the car and then reverse around the corner, keeping reasonably close to the kerb.

So, you should carry out these instructions, using the MSM and POM routines at all times.(Your instructor will have briefed you fully on these routines already.)

As you drive slowly past the end of the road, you should be checking what shape the corner is, square or round, uphill or downhill, any potholes etc., that might surprise you.

Start the manoeuvre using the POM routine.( Prepare, Observe and Move)

Turn slightly in your seat, set the gas, ease the clutch to biting point, check all around, release the handbrake and if its perfectly safe, start reversing. Use clutch control to keep the vehicle moving very slowly backwards until you reach the point of turn. That is the beginning of the corner. Start to steer left at this point, about 2/3rds of a turn for a round corner, and often to full lock on a square corner. Remember the front of your car will swing out as you turn, so full observation is essential. Remember to check all blind spots before you start to steer and if you are likely to affect any road user, you should pause until it is safe.

When you can see into the new road through the rear window, be ready to straighten the steering. Using a sticker or something similar as a focal point can be very helpful to line up with the kerb. Your driving instructor will have a reliable method to help you get used to the final position of the car.

Remember

Keep on the lookout for other road users, particularly:

• Pedestrians about to cross behind you.
• Vehicles approaching from any direction.

Thanks, John

John Lowe Driving School-Mission Statement.
The purpose John Lowe Driving School is to provide high quality driver education and top class customer service.

*We will distinguish ourselves from our competitors by providing excellent customer services.
*The office staff will aim to answer all customer calls in person between 09.00 am and 18.00 pm Monday to Friday.
*We will deal with calls at all other times if possible.
*Driving instructors will endeavour to arrive on time, 90% of the time, or offer an apology.
*Instructors will offer an interactive recap of previous lesson to set base line for tuition.
*Instructors will agree aims and objectives for the current lesson so student fully understands the purpose of the lesson and what they are trying to achieve.
*Instructors will coach in a non confrontational manner.
*Instructors will offer feedback and encouragement linked to specific areas of development.
*Instructors will interactively summarise the lesson so student is fully aware of strengths and weaknesses and whether the objective was achieved.
*Instructors will endeavour reply to text and other messages from students the same day.
*Instructors will keep the tuition vehicle well maintained and in a condition that reflects the professional image of the driving school.
*Instructors will ensure that personal hygiene is of the highest standard.
*Instructors will ensure that the pricing agreement is adhered to.

Overtaking.

Is overtaking worth it? One of the questions I ask my pupils is ‘what is the difference between queue jumping and overtaking?’. We might then watch the car behind. We can see up the road and we have a good few cars in front of us all queuing up behind a horse box for example. The chap behind us overtakes us. Is that overtaking or queue jumping? We are all waiting to overtake the horse box as well.  Think about this on a deeper level. You may think that if someone did that at the till in Tesco you wouldn’t be very happy about it. This  helps drivers to think about their actions when they are faced with this situation. Are they overtaking or just queue jumping?

Customer Review:

"I really enjoyed learning to drive with John Lowe Driving School. My instructor, Tom Lowe was great. He was calm and patient and had some great techniques to help me remember the manoeuvres and other tricky things. He always made time to make sure I understood what we had agreed to do each lesson, so learning was quite quick. He was always on time and I would recommend them anytime."

Harry Edwards, Gloucester.

Congratulations to Harry Edwards on your 1st time pass at Gloucester test centre. Your instructor, Tom Lowe, and all of us at John Lowe Driving send our best wishes.

Floods.

Driving into Cheltenham this morning, after the heavy rain, there was a massive puddle across Shurdington Road, which must have qualified as a flood. Vehicles were having to slow down quite dramatically to sensibly go through it, although some were too fast, creating a large bow wave,which can cause problems for others.
Keep your speed down, revs up, and test your brakes when you are out of it, to cope successfully with flooded roads.
Thanks, John.

Customer Review.

 "I had my first driving lessons in Poland, which frightened me sometimes, and when I came to England, I wanted to carry on as the driving seemed more sensible. I decided to learn automatic and got in touch with John, who got me started again. Automatic has made a big difference and I have got on quite fast, with my test coming up later in November. John has been really helpful and calm, which is good for me."

Renata Seneniuk, Brockworth.

Customer Review.

"I decided to learn automatic, as I just didn't seem to have time to do manual with ayoung family. John Lowe Driving had an automatic for driving lessons, and John is my instructor. It has been great and I'm nearly ready for my test. I keep my lessons up and hope to pass this year."
Jo Pierce, Brockworth.

New Website

We have a new website at John Lowe Driving School. You can find it at www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
We hope you find it interesting.
Thanks, John Lowe.

Passed, Ben Davis, Gloucester.

Congratulations to Ben Davis, who passed his driving test on November 6th 2014, at Gloucester Test Centre, with 2 minor faults. All of us at John Lowe Driving School send our best wishes. Bens instructor was Tom Lowe.

Driving Test Passes

Some of our successful students.

Passed-Genie Staelens, Gloucester

Congratulations to Genie Staelens, who has passed her driving test at Gloucester test centre. Her instructor was Nick Butters. Driving Lessons Gloucester.

Passed-Karen Davis, Gloucester   Well done Karen Davis, who passed her test in some style at Gloucester. She has a very nice BMW waiting for her to drive. We look forward to seeing you on the road, Karen. Her instructor was John Lowe. Driving Lessons Gloucester Passed,Anisha Patel, Gloucester.   Well done, Anisha Patel, on your well deserved test pass at Gloucester. Her instructor was Tom Lowe. Best wishes for the future from the whole team at John Lowe Driving School. Driving Lessons Gloucester. Passed, Harrison Howells, Cheltenham.   Congratulations to Harrison Howells, who has passed his test at Cheltenham test centre. His instructor was Martyn Brewer. See you on the road soon, Harrison. Driving Lessons Cheltenham. Passed,Esme Harding, Gloucester.   Great result Esme! You passed your test at Gloucester test centre. Your instructor was Tom Lowe. All at John Lowe Driving School send their congratulations and best wishes for the future. Driving Lessons Gloucester. Passed, Natalie Earp, Gloucester.   Congratulations to Natalie Earp who has passed her test at Gloucester Test Centre. Her instructor was John Lowe, who sends his congratulations. Well done, Natalie! Driving Lessons Gloucester. Passed, Callum Busby, Gloucester.   Congratulations to Callum Busby who passed his test at Gloucester. Well done! His instructor was Martyn Brewer. Driving Lessons Gloucester. Passed,Carrie Godwin, Gloucester.   Carrie Godwin passed her test at Gloucester test centre. Congratulations from all at John Lowe Driving. Her instructor was John Lowe. Driving Lessons Gloucester. Passed, Will Borthwick, Gloucester.   Congratulations to Will Borthwick on passing his driving test in Gloucester. Best wishes from his driving instructor, Tom Lowe, and all at John Lowe Driving School. Driving Lessons Gloucester.

Driving On Country Lanes

This post continues our theme on defensive driving. The accident rate on this type of road is pretty dreadful, so a reminder of a few techniques to remember on these roads may be of help.
Bends and Junctions.
Take extra care and reduce your speed when you approach bends and junctions. Bends can often be sharper than you think on approach and can be obscured by vegetation.
Other more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists may be hard to make out with an unusual background. Be alert also for horse riders and slow moving farm machinery, and remember that Large Goods Vehicles that have to use the road may take up a good part of the road.
Junctions and farm entrances may be obscured and are not always signed.
Other road users.
There are often no pavements on country roads, so you must expect to meet pedestrians and joggers in the road. Horse riders, cyclists and farm animals can often be found on country roads, so pass them with plenty of space and be patient and wait until it is safe before overtaking.
Speed Limits.
The national speed limit of 60mph usually applies on country lanes, but remember this is a limit and not a target. There are not many country lanes where this speed is appropriate, so drive at a speed where you can stay in control.
Hope these few tips can help, and as always, be careful out there!
Thanks, John.

Well done Callum Busby on a 1st time pass at #Gloucester test centre. His instructor was Martyn Brewer. See you soon on the road, Callum!

Congratulations to Jamesy Partridge on a 1st time pass at #Gloucester test centre. His instructor was Tom Lowe. Well done all round!

Defensive Driving-Observing ahead.

Continuing our blog on defensive driving, we'll look today at observing what's ahead, a crucial component in keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

A skilful driver will constantly watch and make sense of what's ahead.

Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance that you can see to be clear.

A good driver will use scanning observation and frequent use of mirrors to get a full picture of what's in front, behind and around him. He will act sensibly on this information.

Don't drive beyond the limits of your vision. If you can't see properly, wait until you can before proceeding. Approach cautiously until the situation becomes manageable.

If you use these techniques approaching bends and junctions you will avoid potential and actual accidents.

As always, be careful out there!
Thanks John.

Defensive Driving

DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
This blog has already appeared on Google+ , facebook and my website, but with the weather changing for the worse, it's worth another look here. I also want to get back into Blogger.

With autumn weather arriving, more darkness and rain, it's an idea to have a rethink on keeping as safe as possible on the road. You will benefit from having a plan in place and this is called DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
The roads today are busier than ever and this is set to continue.
As well as the traffic volumes,todays driver often has to cope with unpredictable, irrational, offensive and dangerous driving from others. (Lis and me had the pleasure of experiencing some obnoxious driving on the way to Cheltenham last night!)
Such driving behaviour makes todays road conditions hostile in a real sense, with a higher risk of accident. In these conditions drivers need to revise and practise a defensive strategy. This is" defensive driving", sometimes called "planned driving."
Defensive Driving.
Defensive driving is based on EFFECTIVE observation, good anticipation and control. Always question the actions of other road users, be prepared for the unusual, so that you are not taken by surprise.
Try to always drive with responsibility, care, consideration and courtesy. This will help you to "stay cool" if things do blow up.
Always put safety above all else. Have concern for others as well as yourself, especially the most vulnerable, those walking or riding.
Expect others to make mistakes and be ready to slow down or stop-even if you think you have priority. Never rely on other road users to do the correct thing.
Your safety is mainly in your own hands. The better your control and use of road space, the safer you will be.
Try to set a good example with your driving, it might impress and influence others.
Reduce hostility.
If you drive defensively, you will demonstrate more patience and anticipation, which will go a long way towards reducing incidents that result in open hostility, abusive language, threats and physical violence. Avoid at all costs the type of driving that gives offence to others, provokes reaction, and creates a dangerous situation.
Competitive Driving. Avoid driving with a spirit of competition, as this is the opposite to defensive driving and will increase the risks to everyone.
Future posts will look in a little more detail at various elements of defensive driving.
In the meantime, as always. Be careful out there!
Thanks, John.

Continuing the subject of defensive driving,This brings us on to OBSERVATION, a vital need in the search for safety on the road.
When you check your mirrors, just looking is not enough. You must act sensibly on what you see. You should make a mental note of the speed, behaviour and possible intentions of any other road users.
If you're not using effective observation, you can't assess a traffic situation properly.

At junctions, for example, there is no point in just looking if your view is obstructed by parked vehicles, you must move forward, slowly in to a position where you can see, without emerging into the path of traffic. We call this "peep and creep." When you can properly see what's going on you should Look, Assess, Decide and Act and that's what EFFECTIVE observation is all about.
More posts on observation coming up, meanwhile, be careful out there!
Thanks, John.