the driver's handbook

Care, Courtesy,
Common Sense
You must drive or ride at all times with due care and attention, with
reasonable consideration for other road users, and while exercising
courtesy and common sense. We must all share the road together.
You have a duty to avoid collisions and, where necessary, to give
way to other vehicles and pedestrians. The law does not give anyone
indisputable ‘right of way’. Even when you feel that you have right of
way, you must still make sure the other driver is going to give way before
proceeding because the other driver may be unaware of your approach.
You may see other road users behaving aggressively or engaging in
unsafe driving practices. Don’t be pressured by other drivers, and try
to stay calm and in control of your vehicle at all times. Don’t over-react
to thoughtless or deliberately aggressive driving by another driver.
You should also be in control of the inside of your vehicle. Don’t let
your passengers distract you, obstruct your vision, or influence your
decisions by giving advice that may not always involve driving safely.
When you are driving, you should always be able to see everything
that is happening on the road. You need to be able to ‘scan’ or ‘read’
the road – not just looking ahead but continually moving your eyes
and taking sweeping looks at all areas of the road, both close to your
vehicle and further down the road. Be aware of what is behind you,
as well. Use your mirrors at frequent intervals so that you know what
other road users are doing and can anticipate their actions.
Be aware of where your vehicle is in relation to the road and to other
vehicles and road users.
• Know where you are in relation to your surroundings: the
road, other cars, or pedestrians.
• Stay alert.
• Be courteous and remain calm when others are angry or
aggressive.
• Take special care with pedestrians and bicycles.
Watch out for people or anything that is moving or could move, and be
ready to take action. Make extra allowance for children, parents with
babies, the frail or elderly who may not be able to move quickly.
When you are driving near parked vehicles, you should look out for
pedestrians, especially children, who may step out onto the road.
Children are small and can be unpredictable, so be sure to look around
and watch out for them. This could save a child’s life.
Remember that causing injury or a death would not only be devastating
for the family and friends of the victim, but also for you as the driver.
Bicycles are classified as vehicles, and bicycle riders have the same
rights and responsibilities as all other drivers. (The meaning of the
terms ‘driver’, ‘road user’ and ‘vehicle’ are included in the Glossary.)
You should also watch for people riding wheeled recreational devices
and toys, such as skates or skateboards, on residential streets and
footpaths. You have the same responsibility towards them as you
do towards pedestrians – while they have the same obligations and
responsibilities as pedestrians to take care.
If there are signs or road markings, drivers, motorcycle
and bicycle riders must obey them, in every situation.
The Driver’s Handbook 41