Low Risk driving describes the practice of anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others when operating a motor vehicle. It can be achieved by adhering to general guidelines, such as keeping a two- or three-second gap between the driver’s vehicle and the vehicle in front to ensure adequate space to stop. It is a form of training for drivers that goes beyond road rules and the basic mechanics of driving techniques. Low risk driving reduces the risk of collisions and improves road safety
Remember you and the other road users around you are only human; and humans make mistakes. A low risk driver does not just concentrate on his or her own actions, but anticipates the likely actions of other road users.
Low risk driving describes the practice of drivers who consciously reduce the dangers associated with driving. Safe driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, by driving smoothly and steadily.
Awareness is key to safe driving, ensuring you are aware of potential hazards and other road users’ actions around you, and enabling you to take pro-active action to avoid an incident. To enable you to anticipate hazards, look a ahead as far as possible and use your visual search technique, giving yourself time to react. Aim to always scan your mirrors and look beyond the vehicle in front as this will help you to be aware of possible hazards before it is too late.
Don’t trust those around you to make good decisions. Give yourself and drivers around you plenty of time and space. This means keeping a three second gap when following another vehicle. Don’t tailgate other vehicles, as this will remove the opportunity for ample time and space to react to any sudden changes, making it more likely to endanger yourself and those around you.
Many collisions can be avoided. For example, imagine the situation where another vehicle has run into the rear of your car; it is likely this could have been avoided had you left more space between you and the vehicle in front. This type of low risk driving technique may have given you the option to move forward. It is also important to help drivers be aware of your intentions, by signalling early and clearly and minimise lane changes if it is safe to do so.
Adapt your driving to road and weather conditions.
