The SAS Survival Driver’s Handbook. John Wiseman

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       • Loans

       • Loans

       • Economy

       • Petrol vs. Diesel

       • Performance

       • New or secondhand?

       • Where to buy

       • Inspecting a used car

       • Speedometer checks

       • Test drive

       • Documentation checks

       • Beware: stolen cars

       • Rules for buying

      

      

       LEGAL PAPERWORK

       • Registration Documents

       • Road tax

       • Insurance

       • Uninsured drivers

       SURVIVAL KITS

       • General kit

       • Medical Kit

       • Cold weather kit

       • Other necessities

Rules and Regulations

       To a learner driver, trying to get to grips with the rules and regulations which apply to modern-day motorists, the list of prohibitions can seem endless. Having passed the test, many drivers set about disregarding whichever rules they think they can get away with. They forget all they ever learned about stopping distances and follow close behind the vehicle in front. They don’t bother signalling their intentions to other drivers. They think far more about getting from A to B in the fastest possible time than they do about the dangers involved.

      In other words, they acquire bad driving habits, but a combination of luck and skill at the controls allows them to get away with a near-miss where a new driver would crash head-on. Ironically, the more near-misses they have, the more they congratulate themselves — mistaking high-speed manoeuvres and fast reflexes for skilful driving.

      In reality, skilful driving is all about recognizing hazards and making decisions in good time so as to avoid near-misses. It’s about understanding the purpose of all those rules and regulations and road signs, and obeying them not because there’s an examiner or a police officer breathing down your neck, but because it’s the only safe way to drive. It’s also about recognizing that, no matter how long it’s been since you passed your test, there’s always room for improvement.

      This is a book for drivers who have passed their test and satisfied the authorities that they are competent to handle a car on the public highways, but who want to satisfy themselves that they can safely deal with any situation they might encounter. Later chapters will give detailed instructions on advanced and defensive driving skills, correcting skids, dealing with road rage, etc. But first let’s tackle the basics: you and your car.

Fit to Drive

      You have a legal obligation to make sure that you are medically fit to drive. Any health conditions likely to affect your driving must be reported to the authorities, and you should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs which may impair your ability (see Safe Driving).

      Most countries, including Britain, require elderly drivers to renew their licences annually and declare themselves fit to drive. Often there are no medical tests, so it is up to the driver to be honest when filling in the forms. For your own safety and that of your passengers and other road users, seek confirmation from your doctor and optician that you are capable of driving safely.

      Pregnant women, or mothers who have recently given birth, should also seek medical advice. Most can safely drive, but it’s as well to be sure. Remember that you must wear a seat belt (adjust it so that the lap strap goes under the bump).

      Vulnerable drivers will benefit greatly from membership of a motoring organization. In the event of a breakdown, you will be able to count on someone coming to your rescue. And if you notify the operator that you are pregnant or elderly or a woman alone, you should be given priority.

DISABLED DRIVERS

      For someone who has mobility problems, a car can mean the difference between independence and being housebound. There are various government-sponsored schemes offering information and advice about buying specially adapted vehicles, tax concessions, and special parking permits or badges which allow the disabled to park in restricted areas. There are also associations catering for disabled motorists which give advice and campaign for better treatment and provisions.

      There should be no problem getting insurance cover, but make sure you declare in full the nature of your disability and any special adaptations made to your car, otherwise the policy could be invalidated.

      Able-bodied drivers can help by giving assistance when they see a broken-down car with a ‘help — disabled’ sign. Someone who is confined to a wheelchair cannot make their way to an emergency telephone, so be a good Samaritan and do what you can to help.

Selecting a Car

      With such a huge variety of makes and models on offer, choosing the right car can be a daunting task. Before you start touring dealers’ showrooms, your first priority must be to work out how much you can afford to spend. Running costs and maintenance will need to be taken into consideration when calculating your budget, because insurance, road tax, maintenance and replacement parts can add up to a substantial amount. If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure the monthly repayments are well within your means; aim too high and your car could end up being repossessed.

      Having done your sums and fixed your price limit, don’t let any salesman talk you into spending more than you can afford. Ask about hidden charges for delivery or number plates. You will be in a stronger negotiating position if you do a little research: check out motoring magazines for details of what optional extras — sunroofs, air-conditioning, cruise control, CD players, СКАЧАТЬ