Every day, we all use the roads together. Knowing how to drive safely around others not only keeps them safe - but protects you and your passengers, too. Plus, safe driving means fewer accidents, which means less stress for everyone!
Here are some handy tips for sharing the road smoothly with everyone:
- How to drive safely around cyclists
- How to drive safely around motorcyclists
- How to drive safely around horses and horse riders
- How to drive safely around learner drivers
How to drive safely around cyclists
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Learn the ‘Dutch Reach’
This is a way to check for cyclists before you open your door. Use your left hand to open your driver’s door (or your right hand for the passenger side). This helps you look back for cyclists. You can find more about it on Cycling UK.
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Keep your distance
When you pass cyclists, leave at least 1.5 metres between your car and the bike. Give a bit more space if it’s dark or windy.
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Junction awareness
Be careful at junctions, where many accidents happen. Cyclists might be going straight while cars are turning. Since bikes are smaller, you might not be able to see them behind cars until the last moment.
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Leave bike lanes for bikes
Don’t park in bike lanes! Cyclists need safe space to ride, and parked cars can cause obstacles and hazards.
How to drive safely around motorcyclists
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Check blind spots
Always look in your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Motorcycles can be trickier to spot than larger vehicles.
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3-second rule
Keep a safe distance behind motorcycles. Aim for a three-second gap so they have room to move, and you have space to react.
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Indicate your intentions
Always signal what you’re going to do ahead of time. It helps motorcyclists know your plans.
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Watch the weather
Be extra careful in bad weather. Motorcycles can be harder to control when it’s wet or windy.
The Highway Code has more tips for drivers around motorcyclists and cyclists.
How to drive safely around horses and horse riders
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Slow down
When you see horses, slow down. Loud noises or quick moves can startle them.
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Keep your distance
Give horses lots of space. Don’t pull up too close behind them and aim for at least the width of a car when you pass.
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Watch for signals
Horse riders might signal you to slow down or stop, so pay attention to their hand gestures.
How to drive safely around learner drivers
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Be patient
Learner drivers might take longer to decide or do things. Give them time – remember, you were a learner once!
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Don't tailgate
Keep a safe distance behind learner drivers. This gives them space to make mistakes and helps avoid accidents.
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Stay alert
Learners might hesitate at roundabouts or junctions. Stay alert to what they do. Your careful driving could help to stop an accident from happening.
The Highway Code also has rules for driving near learner drivers and horse riders. Have a read to make sure you’re driving as safely as you can.
Sharing the road safely is up to all of us. By checking blind spots for motorcyclists, slowing down for horses, keeping distance from cyclists, and being patient with learner drivers, we can all help make the roads safer.
Remember, a little caution and respect can go a long way. By following these tips, you can help create a safer driving experience for everyone!
