Content focused exclusively on:

• the driver

• psychophysical abilities

• driving risk factors

• road safety

• typical errors on the DGT exam

1. THE DRIVER

Driver's responsibility

The driver is responsible for:

• safe operation of the vehicle

• complying with traffic rules

• adapting their driving to the conditions

💡 Frequently asked:

Safety depends primarily on the driver.

Driver's abilities

The driver must maintain:

• attention

• perception

• quick decision-making

• coordination

Physical condition

Directly affects driving:

• fatigue

• illness

• medication

• sleep

Mental state

Affects driving:

• stress

• distractions

• anxiety

• intense emotions

💡 Typical DGT mistake:

Distraction is one of the main causes of accidents.

2. RISK FACTORS

Alcohol

Effects:

• reduces reflexes

• alters perception

• increases reaction time

💡 DGT rule:

The only safe level is 0.

Drugs

Effects:

• loss of control

• impairment of the senses

• unpredictable behaviour

Medication

Some medications may cause:

• drowsiness

• reduced reflexes

💡 Important:

Package leaflets must be read.

Fatigue and sleep

Symptoms:

• yawning

• constant blinking

• loss of attention

Consequences:

• microsleeps

• loss of control

💡 Frequently asked:

Sleepiness is as dangerous as alcohol.

Speed as a risk factor

The greater the speed:

• less reaction time

• greater braking distance

• greater accident severity

Distractions

Main causes:

• mobile phone

• GPS

• conversation

• handling the radio

💡 DGT rule:

The mobile phone is one of the biggest causes of accidents.

3. EXTERNAL CONDITIONS

Rain

Causes:

• less grip

• increased braking distance

Fog

Causes:

• reduced visibility

• difficulty in judging distances

Snow and ice

Risk:

• loss of control

• skidding

Wind

May cause:

• vehicle deviations

• loss of stability

Night-time

Risks:

• reduced visibility

• eye fatigue

• glare

4. VEHICLE FACTORS

Condition of the vehicle

Affects safety:

• brakes

• tyres

• lights

• steering

Tyres

Importance:

• they are the only contact with the road

Risks:

• wear

• incorrect pressure

Brakes

If in poor condition:

• braking distance increases

Lighting

Faulty lights:

• reduce visibility

• increase the risk of accidents

5. ROAD FACTORS

Condition of the road

Affects:

• grip

• vehicle stability

Curves

Risk:

• loss of control

Speed must be reduced.

Slopes

Risk:

• speed increase on downhill sections

Roadworks

Risk:

• lane changes

• narrowing

6. SAFE DRIVING

Preventive driving

Consists of:

• anticipating risks

• maintaining constant attention

Safety distance

Must allow:

• stopping the vehicle without collision

💡 Key rule:

Higher speed → greater distance.

Appropriate speed

Must be adapted to:

• weather conditions

• traffic

• visibility

💡 Frequently asked:

The legal speed is not always safe.

7. COMMON EXAM ERRORS

• thinking that only the vehicle affects accidents

• underestimating fatigue

• confusing legal speed with safe speed

• ignoring the effects of alcohol even in small amounts

• forgetting the effect of the mobile phone

8. DGT TIPS FOR MEMORISING

Alcohol

Always has a negative effect.

Fatigue

Can be just as dangerous as alcohol.

Distraction

The mobile phone is the greatest enemy.

Speed

More speed = more risk.

Driver

Is the most important factor in road safety.

ULTRA-QUICK SUMMARY

The driver

Primarily responsible for safety.

Alcohol and drugs

Always dangerous.

Fatigue

Reduces reaction capacity.

Distractions

Especially the mobile phone.

External factors

Affect driving.

Safe driving

Anticipation and constant attention.