Being as healthy and alert as possible will make you safer on the road. Take regular meal and rest breaks, and keep to foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as bread and vegetables. These release energy slowly and will keep you satisfied for longer than foods with a high sugar content.

Always check carefully for cyclists when emerging from a junction. Bicycles, being much narrower than any other vehicle, can be quite difficult to see.

If you're driving under EU rules, you mustn't drive continuously for more than four-and-a-half hours without taking a break. If you've driven continuously for four-and-a-half hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Include your stops in the timetable when planning your journey.

If you overfill the engine with oil, you could cause the engine to build up too much pressure when it's running. This could cause damage to oil seals and gaskets.

By driving smoothly, you'll reduce fuel consumption by about 15%, and you'll reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll also feel more relaxed and have a more pleasant journey.

All spare sheets and ropes carried on the vehicle must be tied down securely to prevent them falling onto the road, where they may be a hazard for other vehicles.

Vehicles that carry dangerous goods have badges displayed on the side and rear. The badges are orange and show the type of material that's being carried. Make a note of this and report it to the emergency services when you contact them.

When discharging a load from a tipper vehicle, the centre of gravity is raised as the tipper body rises. To avoid the vehicle rolling over, it's vital that it's positioned on a level, solid surface before the tipper mechanism is engaged.

High-value cargoes are often targeted by thieves. Operators are recommended to seek advice from their local crime-prevention officer to help prevent their vehicles and loads from being stolen.

High-sided vehicles are severely affected by side wind because of the large surface area of the bodywork. The risk of loss of control is increased if the vehicle is unladen.

If you become unwell, it will affect your ability to concentrate. You must be fully alert and ready for any hazards that might occur while you're driving. Stop in a safe place and call for help. You may have to call out a relief driver to complete the journey for you.

The horn shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. The only exception is when another road user is unaware of you and poses a danger.

Air-brake systems are fitted with a warning device that operates if the air pressure in the tanks drops below a safe level. There may be a warning buzzer and/or pressure gauges. You must be aware of the function of all gauges on your vehicle, and check them as you drive.

Only overtake when it's safe to do so, and don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate approaching traffic. When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room and, before returning to the left, check in your nearside mirror to make sure you've passed them safely.

It's more difficult to judge speed and distance accurately in the dark. Darkness can also hide bends and dips in the road. Plan ahead, and be sure that you have time and space to complete your overtaking safely.

The effect of your vehicle driving through a puddle will be to throw water onto the pavement. If there are pedestrians close by, they could be splashed with the water. Be considerate and, if it's safe to do so, avoid driving through the puddle.

It's important to know what's happening behind as well as ahead. Your mirrors must always be clean and properly adjusted.

Vehicles overtaking in the right-hand lane may return to the centre lane when they've finished their manoeuvre. You should look for this before starting to pull out. Don't rely on the size of your vehicle to claim right of way.

Major roadworks often cause complicated diversions for large vehicles. Drivers may be advised to follow a special symbol until the original road can be rejoined. Look for the yellow-and-black symbols in these shapes:

• square
• triangle
• diamond
• circle.

They'll often be shown with additional information and will help guide you around the diversion.

Theft of vehicles is common. You're responsible for the safety and security of your vehicle and trailer. Try to avoid leaving any trailer unattended unless it's on approved secure premises.

If you attempt to move a casualty who has a spinal injury, it could cause further damage. Make sure an ambulance has been called for and talk to the casualty to keep them calm.

The smallest lapse in concentration can result in loss of control. Even when your tachograph would allow you to drive for longer, stop somewhere safe and rest if you feel your driving may be affected by your tiredness.

Moisture in the braking system can cause serious problems, especially in cold weather, when it could freeze and stop the brakes from working. Most modern vehicles have a system that drains automatically, but make sure you know which system is fitted to any vehicle that you drive.

Drivers' hours and rest periods are controlled in the interests of road safety. A driver's daily rest period should normally be 11 hours, but this may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rest periods. It's a serious offence to break these rules and anyone doing so is liable to a heavy fine and even imprisonment.

As the lubricating oil is pumped around the engine, it collects tiny fragments of metal from the moving parts. The oil filter is designed to remove these fragments. Most filters are designed to be replaced at service intervals.

It's compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. However, if you're making deliveries that are less than 50 metres apart, you may leave the seat belt undone. It would be impractical to keep fastening and unfastening your seat belt over such short distances.

The cyclist may not be able to get into a right-hand lane due to heavy traffic. Give them room, as they may not be taking the exit you expect.

If there's any danger that the load you're lifting with a crane is too heavy for ropes or straps, or that sharp edges on the load may damage them, you should use chains with compatible tensioners.