General Principles of Safe Driving
The foundation of safe driving is a commitment to responsible conduct. Every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle with care and attention, ensuring they do not endanger themselves, their passengers, or other road users. This involves maintaining control of the vehicle at all times, not hindering the flow of traffic, and adhering to all regulations concerning vehicle condition and driver behavior.
1. Driver Attention and Distractions
Maintaining focus is critical for road safety. Many common activities can divert a driver's attention, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
Mobile Phones and GPS
- Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited unless it is through a certified hands-free device. However, it is crucial to understand that even a hands-free conversation can be a significant distraction. A ringing phone can startle a driver, and conversation impairs concentration. If you need to make or take a call, even at a traffic light, it is safest to pull over and stop in a secure location. Using a handheld phone impairs steering control and is illegal.
- GPS and Navigation Systems: Consulting a GPS or sat nav while driving is a form of distraction. These devices should be positioned at a height that does not obstruct your view of the road. Always prioritize your own judgment and road signs over the device's instructions.
- Other Distractions: Activities such as eating, drinking, or searching for objects inside the vehicle can also cause dangerous distractions and should be avoided.
2. Vehicle Condition and Maintenance
A driver is responsible for ensuring their vehicle is roadworthy and complies with all legal standards for noise, emissions, and modifications.
Noise and Emissions
- Limits: All vehicles are subject to maximum permitted levels for noise and emissions. Driving a vehicle that emits excessive smoke, pollutants, or noise is prohibited and can result in penalties. Traffic officers have the authority to immobilize a vehicle that exceeds these limits.
- Exhaust Silencer: Every vehicle must be equipped with an effective explosion silencer (exhaust silencer). Driving without one is illegal. To minimize noise, especially with motorcycles, avoid unnecessary and excessive engine revving.
Vehicle Modifications and Equipment
- Windows: Using non-approved tinted glass in a passenger car is not permitted. However, certified adhesive films, curtains, or sun curtains are allowed on the rear windows, provided the vehicle is equipped with two exterior rear-view mirrors.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key. For example, cabin air filters should be replaced regularly, particularly in the spring, to ensure good air quality inside the vehicle.
3. Conduct on the Road
Safe driving involves more than just controlling your vehicle; it requires courteous and predictable behavior toward others.
Driving Style and Efficiency
Maintain a steady, uniform speed whenever possible. This not only enhances safety but also improves fuel economy. For better fuel efficiency, drive in higher gears at lower revolutions per minute (RPMs).
Interacting with Other Road Users
- Pedestrians: Always respect pedestrian priority at designated crossings. Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop when you see someone intending to cross. Be particularly cautious with elderly pedestrians, as they may have difficulty judging a vehicle's speed and distance.
- Cyclists: Avoid using your horn (acoustic signal) near cyclists, as the sudden noise can startle them and cause them to lose control.
- Animals: On the road, drivers generally have priority over animals, unless signs indicate otherwise. If animals are on the road, they must move slowly and stay as close to the edge as possible. Remember, animals are prohibited from motorways and dual carriageways.
Prohibited Actions
- Throwing Objects: It is strictly forbidden to throw any object from a vehicle onto the road. This is especially true for objects that could cause fires, damage the road, or create a hazard for other users. This offense can lead to penalties and a loss of points on your license.
- Use of Horn: Acoustic signals should only be used to prevent an accident, not to express frustration or greet someone.
- Modifying Signs: It is illegal to modify road signs without proper justification and authority.
4. Handling Emergencies and Breakdowns
Knowing the correct procedure during an emergency is vital for the safety of everyone on the road.
Immobilized Vehicles
- Signaling: If your vehicle breaks down, your first action should be to warn other drivers. Activate your hazard warning lights immediately.
- Warning Devices: Passenger cars must carry a V-16 emergency light device or at least one pre-warning hazard triangle. The V-16 device is the preferred method and must be placed on the highest possible part of the immobilized vehicle to ensure maximum visibility without leaving the car.
- Motorway Breakdowns: In the event of a breakdown or emergency on a motorway or dual carriageway, all occupants must remain inside the vehicle for their safety.
Fallen Cargo
If any part of your cargo falls onto the road, you must act quickly. Stop in a safe place, activate your hazard lights, and take steps to warn other road users by placing a hazard pre-warning device. You must then remove the fallen object from the road as swiftly and safely as possible.
5. Special Rules and Considerations
Refueling
For safety reasons, you must always switch off the vehicle's engine, lights, and any electrical devices, including the radio and mobile phones, before you begin refueling.
Motorcycles
Riders and drivers should be aware that motorcycles are inherently less stable and more vulnerable than cars. When riding, any communication devices used within a helmet must be certified and approved for that purpose.
Passengers and Other Road Users
- Passengers: The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers maintain a proper and safe position while the vehicle is in motion.
- Pedestrians with Carts: Individuals pushing or pulling a small cart may walk on the carriageway if there is no usable pavement or shoulder.