Ford :: Useful information :: Do's and don'ts

Useful information

Do’s and don’ts

Every year the rules for motorists get tougher, which probably affects you as a company car driver more than most. With more government legislation and more speed cameras, the chances of you accidentally breaking the law increase all the time. And with 95% of all accidents involving some human error, the importance of safe driving is paramount.

Do’s and don’ts

On a motorway

Pull on to the hard shoulder and park well away from the main carriageway. If you don't have a mobile phone, leave the car by the passenger door (taking any children with you) and walk to the nearest emergency phone
Arrows on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder indicate the direction to the nearest emergency phone, which will be no more than half a mile away
When you use a phone, face oncoming traffic
Emergency phones will link you to a police motorway control centre. Tell them:
- your exact location
- car make, model and registration number
- the nature of your problem
- whether you are alone with small children
- your membership number if you belong to a motoring organisation
- Don't worry if you do not have all this information
Return to your car, but don't get in unless you feel at risk. Many fatal accidents occur on the hard shoulder. If you feel unsafe, get into your car on the passenger side, put your seatbelt on and lock all of the doors

On other roads

If something goes wrong with your car drive on and stop where there are people about
If you are marooned, never hitch a lift
If possible, get the car out of the way of other traffic, then switch on its hazard warning lights and raise the bonnet
Use a mobile phone, or find the nearest public phone to call your motoring organisation or a garage for help. Give details of your location, car, cause of breakdown and motoring organisation membership number, and say if you are alone, in a remote area or feel in danger
Return to your vehicle and, unless there's danger of collision, stay inside

Stopping distance

Keep at least 75 feet between you and the car in front, even at low speeds and in good conditions. Try using the two second rule, especially when driving on motorways. Watch when the vehicle in front passes an object beside the road, then slowly count for two seconds. If you pass the same object before you’ve finished counting, you’re too close.

Remember – a vehicle travelling at 30 mph covers the ground at a rate of 44 feet per second!

Privacy | Terms and Conditions | Accessibility