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Top Tips For Safe Driving - Saving Good People From Bad Drivers

“Somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine.” Tommy Cooper, Comedian

Safe driving is something to celebrate. After all, the more safe drivers there are on the roads of the Little Red Dot, the better for everyone.

safe drivers get rewarded at DirectAsia.com


Currently there’s lots of good news on the car safety front. Cars are getting smarter, with manufacturers like Toyota working on a multitude of safety initiatives that, if successful, will reduce the risk of accidents which currently happen because of blind spots.

And for drivers who like cars that do most of the thinking for them, Volvo's well received V40 boasts an impressive slew of safety features:

“There's an upgraded version of the BLIS (blind spot information system) that now also informs the driver of a car approaching from the rear, as well as objects in the blind spots; a lane-keeping aid; Park Assist Pilot (parallel parking for the hard of thinking); road-sign-info cameras; active high beam; adaptive cruise... treats stuffed into the smallish V40 without feeling forced in by the big-car crowbar.” Top Gear Road Test, August 2012
 

While all this may leave you with a comforting feeling, the reality is that as much as a car can learn to think about safety, the driver is still in charge. And that can be a sobering thought.

For example, shocking police statistics in Singapore show a big increase in the number of summonses issued for adults not wearing seat belts. Even more worrying is the fivefold increase in the number of cases of children not being buckled up.
 

Courtesy Counts is a nationwide initiatives by DirectAsia.com


At DirectAsia.com we make it our mission to save good people from bad driving, so we started a nationwide campaign, supported by Singapore Road Safety Council, Singapore Police Force and Traffic Police Singapore, called 'Courtesy Counts'. This campaign offers local motorists the chance to become proactive in helping rid our roads of discourteous drivers.
 

Top Tips for Safe Drivers

Whether you are relatively new to the roads, or you have been behind the wheel for many years, it’s a good idea to review rules for safe driving. Here are some top tips:

1. Be Prepared  No matter how many safety rules you observe, the best rule is to expect the unexpected. Drivers changing lanes at the last minute or without signalling, sudden stops, unpredictable pedestrians and my personal bugbear – tailgating. Stay focused, check your mirrors and always anticipate the road ahead. Which leads me to tip two…

2. Keep Your Distance If the car in front stops suddenly or swerves to avoid an obstacle, you need to leave yourself enough time to react. That is why keeping a  safe distance between you and other motorists is crucial. Most experts recommend leaving the length of a car between you and the vehicle in front. At night or in bad weather, double the recommended distance.

3. Bad Weather = Extra Care  If you're driving in Singapore’s notorious heavy storms, be extra cautious. Cut your speed, maintain a safe distance, use your signals and headlights as necessary and stay vigilant. Be especially careful when breaking and around curves as the roads can be slippery.

If you're experiencing really bad visibility, consider safely pulling off the road for a break until the weather clears.

At DirectAsia.com, we make it our business to celebrate and reward safe driving in Singapore. As always, we are doing all we can to make life, on or off-road, a little smoother for you.