Quick Test #3

Cyclists, and motorcyclists, are very vulnerable in crosswinds. They can easily be blown well off course and veer into your path. Always allow plenty of room when overtaking them. Passing too close could cause a draught and unbalance the rider.

This crucial road sign warns drivers about upcoming traffic flow in both directions.

Don’t travel in icy or snowy weather unless your journey is necessary. Drive extremely carefully when roads are or may be icy. Stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

If the vehicle in front shows its hazard lights there may be an incident or queuing traffic ahead. As well as keeping a safe distance, look beyond it to help you get an early warning of any hazards and a picture of the situation ahead.

Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway make sure that the central reserve is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it’s not, you should treat it as one road and check that it’s clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.

Pull up on the hard shoulder and make your way to the nearest emergency telephone to call for assistance. Do not attempt to repair your vehicle while it is on the hard shoulder because of the risk posed by traffic passing at high speeds.

Sometimes you may not realise that someone is in shock. The signs to look for are rapid pulse, sweating, pale grey skin and rapid shallow breathing.

It is important to make sure that emergency services arrive on the scene as soon as possible. When a person is unconscious, they could have serious injuries that are not immediately obvious.

In windy conditions, care must be taken on exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who are particularly likely to be affected, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided lorries and vehicles towing trailers.

Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering are likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

If it's possible, and you can do so without causing further danger, it may be safer to drive a vehicle which is on fire out of the tunnel. The greatest danger in a tunnel fire is smoke and suffocation.

Advance warning triangles fold flat and don't take up much room. Use it to warn other road users if your vehicle has broken down or there's been an incident. Don't use them on motorways.

There are several factors that can affect the distance it takes to stop your vehicle. Adjust your driving to take account of how the weather conditions could affect your tyres' grip on the road.

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they’re crossing from behind the bus.

Trams are powered by electricity and therefore do not emitt exhaust fumes. They are also much quieter than petrol and diesel engined vehicles and can carry large number of passengers.

No one likes to spend time in traffic queues. Try to avoid busy times related to school or work travel. As well as moving vehicles you should also consider congestion caused by parked cars, buses and coaches around schools.

Never leave the vehicle’s documents inside it. They would help a thief dispose of the vehicle more easily.

If possible, avoid the early morning and, late afternoon and early evening ‘rush hour’. Doing this should allow you to travel in a more relaxed frame of mind, concentrate solely on what you’re doing and arrive at your destination feeling less stressed.

The longer traffic lights have been on green, the greater the chance of them changing. Always allow for this on approach and be prepared to stop.

A blue rectangular sign showing a bicycle with a lane line indicates a mandatory route for cyclists. In addition to the road sign, this cycle lane will be separated from other traffic by a solid white line. You mustn't drive or park in the cycle lane during its times of operation.