LV Book

Light Vehicle
Handbook
The aim of this book is to provide students with the technical information required to avoid
accidents on the roads. On obtaining a driver's license, you are responsible for the safety of October 2018
others and yourself. Issue v1.2
BOOK
Copyright © 2017 by Emirates Driving Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | www.edcad.
ae 1
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REGULATING THE ROADS 011
1.1 Traffic Rules 013

1.2 Road traffic signs 014
1.2.1 Traffic sign groups 014
1.3 Road markings 016
1.4 Basic positioning 017
1.4.1 Right-hand traffic 017
1.4.2 Basic positioning when continuing straight ahead 017
1.4.3 Basic positioning when turning right 017
1.4.4 Basic positioning when turning left 018
1.4.5 Oncoming traffic 018
1.4.6 Distance to the car in front of you 019
1.5 Rules of the Road 020
1.5.1 The Left Hand Rule: Vehicle approaching from the left 020
1.5.4 The Turning Rule 020
1.5.2 The Main Road or Priority Road Rule 020
1.5.3 The Exit or Entering Rule 020
1.5.5 The Obstruction Rule 021
1.5.7 The Zipper principle 021
1.5.6 The Bus Rule 021
1.6 Exceptions to the rules 022
1.6.1 Vehicles excluded from the rules 022
1.7 Duty towards unprotected road users 023
1.7.1 Respect for pedestrians and cyclists 023
1.7.2 Courtesy and interaction with others 023
1.8 Order of traffic precedence 024
1.8.1 Signals given by a police officer or other authority figure 025
1.9 Give Way and Crossing rules 026
1.9.1 Give way situations 026
1.10.1 Indicator signal 027
1.10.2 Horn, lights and hazard signals 028
1.10.3 Using the horn at night 028
1.10.4 Stoplights 029
1.12 Defensive driving 031
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 035
2.1 Inside the city limits 036

2.1.1 Positioning where several lanes lead to the same direction – inside the city limits 036
2.1.2 One way traffic 037
2.1.3 Roundabouts 038
2.2 Using your eyes and other senses 039
2.2.1 Scanning technique, peripheral vision and central visual field 039
2.2.2 Visual defects - visual acuity and the visual field 040
2.3 Lanes 041
2.3.1 Queuing in a lane 041
2.3.2 Changing lanes and passing other vehicles in lanes 041
2.3.3 Things to consider 042
2.4 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits 043
2.4.1 Pedestrian Crossing 043
2.4.2 Elderly and disabled pedestrians 043
2.4.3 Children and traffic 044
2.5 Stopping, parking and turning 045
2.5.1 Sudden, abrupt stopping 045
2.5.2 Stopping and parking 045
2.5.3 U-turns 047
2.5.4 Changing direction by means of a U-turn or reversing 047
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 051
3.1 Outside city limits 052

3.1.1 Safety check before setting out 052
3.1.2 Things to consider when leaving town 053
3.2 Road works 059
3.2.1 Dealing with road workers 059
3.3 Ordinary roads 060
3.3.1 Turning onto a major road 060
3.3.2 Estimating the meeting point when overtaking 061
3.3.3 Overtaking distance 062
3.3.4 Overtaking rules for main roads 064
3.3.5 Turning off a road: Right and left turn 064
3.3.6 Using lay-bys, stopping, parking and making U-turns 065
3.4 Driving on motorways 066
3.4.1 Entering a motorway 067
3.4.2 Lane discipline and changing lanes 068
3.4.3 Hogging the fast lane 068
3.4.4 Leaving a motorway 069
3.5 Dirt road driving and off-road driving 070
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS 073
4.1 Driving in sunshine and hot weather 074

4.1.1 Your Vehicle 074
4.1.2 Coping with the heat and sun 075
4.1.3 A large midday meal 075
4.2 Driving safely in the dark 076
4.2.1 Your eyes at night 076
4.2.2 Speed at night 076
4.2.3 Vehicle lights 076
4.2.4 How to use your headlights when you see an oncoming vehicle 077
4.2.5 How to use your headlights when overtaking 077
4.2.6 If you are being overtaken 078
4.2.8 Positioning when you drive in the dark 078
4.2.7 Dipping your headlights at a bend in the road 078
4.2.9 Parking and emergency stops at night 078
4.2.10 Using your headlights in built-up areas 079
4.2.11 Unprotected road users 079
4.2.12 Noises at night 079
4.3 Driving in fog 080
4.4 Driving in high winds 081
4.5 Driving in rain 082
4.5.1 Aquaplaning 082
4.5.2 Dealing with floods 083
4.5.3 Dealing with flooded areas 084
4.5.4 How to deal with a skid 084
CRITICAL SITUATIONS 089
5.1 What is the main cause of traffic accidents? 091

5.2 Different types of critical situation and accident 092
5.2.1 The single vehicle accident 092
5.2.2 Crossroad accidents inside and outside the city limits 092
5.2.3 Turning accidents inside and outside the city limits 093
5.2.4 Oncoming traffic accidents 093
5.2.5 Overtaking accidents 094
5.2.6 Accidents with people under influence of alcohol or other intoxicants 094
5.2.7 Pedestrian crossing accidents 095
5.2.8 Accidents involving cyclists 095
5.2.9 Accidents in the night 096
5.2.10 Front to rear accidents 096
5.2.11 Motorcycle accidents 096
5.3 The impact of the intersection collisions 097
5.4 Camels and other animals on the road 099
5.5 How to avoid critical situations 100
5.6 Towards an accident-free traffic environment 101
5.7 What to do in the event of a traffic accident 102
5.7.1 Dealing with accidents 102
5.7.2 Fire 104
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DRIVING BEHAVIOUR AND ROAD COURTESY 107
6.1 Emotional maturity 109

6.1.1 Developing a moral code of conduct 110
6.1.2 Immaturity 110
6.1.3 Role models 110
6.1.4 Responsibility 111
6.1.5 Identity (weak identity) 111
6.1.6 Adapting to reality (deficient reality) 112
6.1.7 Poor Self-control 112
6.1.8 Know yourself and know your driving skill 113
6.1.9 The difference between experienced and inexperienced drivers 113
6.1.10 Elderly drivers 114
6.2 Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour 115
6.2.1 Impulsiveness 115
6.2.2 Excuses (Blaming others) 115
6.2.3 Repression 115
6.2.4 Reaction formation – doing the opposite of how you feel 116
6.2.5 Prestige 116
6.2.6 Self-assertion 116
6.2.7 Jumping the queue 117
6.2.8 Reinforcing bad habits (Probability conditioning) 117
6.2.9 Learning by imitation 118
6.3 The will to learn and the need to learn 119
6.3.1 Superficial learning 119
6.3.2 In-depth learning 119
6.3.3 Overlearning 120
6.4 Focus on driving 120
6.4.1 Avoiding distractions 120
6.4.2 Stress 121
6.5 Group pressure 122
6.5.1 Negative impact 122
6.6 Factors with adverse effects 123
6.6.1 Stages of fatigue and tiredness 123
6.6.2 Illness and medicines 123
6.6.3 Alcohol 124
6.6.4 Illegal drugs 124
6.7 Distractions while driving 125
6.7.1 Important things to consider 125
6.8 Traffic offences and penalties 126
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR 129
7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance 131

7.1.1 The driver's manual 131
7.1.2 Listen to your car 132
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved 133
7.2.1 The Engine 133
7.2.2 The lubrication system 134
7.2.3 The cooling system 135
7.2.4 The fuel system 136
7.2.5 The exhaust system 137
7.2.6 The electrical system 138
7.2.7 Vehicle Lights 140
7.2.8 Rear lights 141
7.2.9 Visual aids: The instrument panel 142
7.2.10 The transmission system 144
7.2.11 The brake systems 145
7.2.12 The tyres 147
7.2.13 The tyres characteristics 148
7.2.14 The steering systems 149
7.3 Economical driving 150
7.4 Driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer 151
7.5 Testing time: Vehicle inspection and registration 152
7.6 Motor vehicle insurance 153
SAFETY WHILE DRIVING 157
8.1 Car safety 159

8.1.1 The car’s protective shell 159
8.1.2 How to adjust the car seat, the head restraint and how to load a car 160
8.1.3 Seat belts save lives 161
8.1.4 Airbags (SRSs) save lives 162
8.1.5 Children in the car 163
8.1.6 Forgetting the children in the vehicle 166
8.2 The natural laws 167
8.2.1 To calculate the distance required to stop a moving car 167
8.2.2 Centrifugal force: When the road bends 169
8.2.3 The force of gravity 169
8.3 More about handling different cars 170
8.3.1 Some vehicle characteristics 170
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD 175
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS 183
ROAD MARKINGS 215

Chapter One
REGULATING THE
ROADS
1.1 Traffic Rules
Road traffic has increased exponentially in the UAE. Vehicles and pedestrians are found
almost everywhere throughout the seven Emirates. It is therefore absolutely necessary to
have uniform rules and regulations and that road users comply with these rules.
Traffic laws and road rules have been under development internationally since the motoring
was in its infancy at the beginning of the last century. Today you will find signs, rules and
regulations that have been harmonised and approved internationally.
Traffic laws govern how a road should be marked and signed, how vehicles should be
equipped and perform and how the driver should behave in different situations.
To guide road users towards Rules, road Before obtaining your

correct behaviour on the traffic signs and driving licence, it is
roads, and help the police road markings important that you learn
and judiciary to determine regulate traffic and understand the
who is right and who is signs, road markings and
wrong in the event of an Without these it would not traffic rules
accident, a set of traffic be possible for traffic to
rules has been incorporated move freely on the roads. Some of the signs and
into Federal Law. lines shown here are not
In the UAE, work is still in yet common in the UAE.
Knowledge of these rules progress on the combining However, with the rapid
is, of course, essential for of Federal Law and traffic expansion of traffic and the
every driver so that he or rules so that international road network, they will soon
she will not break them and regional rules may be become part of our traffic
out of carelessness or followed in daily practice. system. In the meantime,
ignorance exposing you will need to be familiar
others to a risk. with them if you plan on
driving to another country.

1.2 Road traffic signs
1.2.1 Traffic sign groups
The purpose of road Road traffic signs are

traffic signs is to convey an essential part of any Symbols are used as
information. There are traffic system. much as possible,
warning signs, prohibitive because they are more
signs, regulatory signs They tell you about the rules easily recognised,
and direction signs, all of you must obey and warn you understood and can
which give you important about the hazards you may be standardised,
information about the road meet on the road ahead. irrespective of language.
you are driving on. Signs may be in the form of
words or symbols on panels,
The municipality decides road markings, beacons, You will recognise traffic
exactly what signs and bollards or traffic lights. signs more easily if you
where they are to set up. This section deals with the understand the shape and
To make things easier for various types of traffic sign colour of the six main groups
drivers, each sign has a and their meaning. or categories.
distinctive combination of
shape, colour and symbol. To do its job effectively, a
sign must communicate
Since we drive on the right its message clearly and
hand side of the road, most early enough for you to
of the road-signs directing see and understand it and
the traffic are placed on act accordingly.
the right side. Some of the
signs appear on the left
side also where they are
more suitable.
014 REGULATING THE ROADS

These are:
Warning signs, Regulatory signs, Supplementary signs,

triangular in shape, circular in shape rectangular in
which offer a caution and blue in colour, shape and mainly
which give positive the same colour as
instructions the primary sign
Mandatory signs
Prohibitive signs, Direction signs, Temporary signs,

circular in shape and rectangular in shape, on an
red in colour, which which inform, give orange background
prohibit and restrict positive instructions
and local directions
All drivers must be familiar Learn the different groups or categories of signs first; this will
with every traffic sign make it much easier to remember the individual signs later on.
currently in use.
You will find them illustrated

in the appendix for Road
Traffic Signs.

1.3 Road markings
Road markings are used to Road markings appear as

qualify and clarify the rules lines, continuous or broken,
and regulations enacted painted along or across the
from Federal Law. They may carriageway. In addition to
warn of a danger; they may lines, you will encounter
divide the road into different arrows, studs, symbols and
lanes; they may separate text messages.
a motor vehicle lane from
a cycle track or pedestrian • A broken line functions
way; or they may signal as a recommendation,
some sort of prohibition. as a warning or as a
guide for road users.
Their advantage is that they Drivers must be familiar with
can easily be seen when • Continuous lines all types of road markings.
other signs are hidden by are prohibitive lines.
traffic and they can give a Crossing or straddling a You will find them
continuing message as you continuous line dividing illustrated in the appendix
drive along the road. two lanes is prohibited. Road Markings.
As a general rule, the

more paint, the more
important the message.

1.4 Basic positioning
1.4.1 Right-hand traffic 1.4.2 Basic positioning 1.4.3 Basic positioning
when continuing when turning right
straight ahead
On two way traffic roads Wherever possible, get into Drivers intending to
a vehicle should be driven the right-hand lane if you turn right should keep
in the lane furthest to the intend to continue in the their vehicles as close
right, as seen from the direction you are traveling. to the right-hand edge
direction of travel. At or just before the junction of the carriageway
you will have to keep to as is appropriate for
Keep to the right, leaving the right, even though you traffic conditions.
plenty of space for any fast- may have to negotiate
moving vehicles. with parked cars. Position your car and turn
off, keeping as far to the
Always try to position your right as possible. This not
car so that you can handle only makes it easier for the
unexpected overtaking vehicles on your left but
and sudden meetings also prevents drivers from
with oncoming traffic with creeping up on your right.
maximum safety. After turning off, position
yourself as appropriate for
Overtaking and meetings with your ongoing itinerary.
oncoming vehicles always
involve an element of risk. If It goes without saying that,
visibility is poor, as it may be in streets with two-way
if your view is obscured by traffic with just one lane in
a hill or a bend in the road, each direction, you must
or if you are driving at night keep well to the right so as
or in fog or rain, the risk is to allow plenty of room for
greatly enhanced. oncoming traffic.

1.4 Basic positioning
1.4.4 Basic positioning 1.4.5 Oncoming traffic
when turning left
Drivers intending to turn left On a good wide road with Mistakes are easily made
on two-way roads should little traffic, oncoming traffic with a general tendency for
keep their vehicles close to should normally present drivers to judge the meeting
the centre-line no problem. The narrower point between their two
the road is, the greater the vehicles as being further
Before turning left, it is risk of an accident involving away than it actually is.
essential to check the road two vehicles traveling in Other common mistakes
in both directions. When opposite directions. are to assume the meeting
you turn left you must give point is at a spot halfway
way to all oncoming traffic. If possible and suitable, between the two vehicles. Of
The law clearly states that one driver on a narrow road course, this can be true only
turning left at a junction must stop and wait for the if both the vehicles happen
is permissible only if you oncoming vehicle. Vehicles to be traveling at exactly
can turn safely without on the same side of the road the same speed.
obstruction to the oncoming as an obstacle up ahead
traffic and vehicles coming must give way to vehicles
up from behind. approaching from the
opposite direction.

Some situations you may 1.4.6 Distance to the car in front of you
encounter on the road:
1. A car may start to

overtake a string of
vehicles approaching
from the other
direction.
Action: Keep to the
right, slow down and
flash your headlights.
2. Encountering a vehicle
coming towards you
on the wrong lane,
which is considered
an unpleasant
experience.
Action: Hold your
brakes firmly, flash
your headlights
repeatedly, and use
the horn. You may As drivers tend not to keep
need to steer your their distance and queues
vehicle to the right as often build up in city traffic,
a last resort. the risk of collision in such
conditions can be high.
3. You encounter several Not only does driving close
heavy vehicles at the behind another vehicle raise
top of a hill. One of the the risk of an accident, but
drivers behind may risk your view of the road ahead
overtaking before is also obscured and driving
you reach the top. will not be smooth. If you
Action: Be ready to have another vehicle so
steer to the right, slow close on your tail that you
down and flash your fear it will run into you from
headlights. behind, slow down slightly
so as to increase your safety
4. An oncoming car gets margin with the vehicle
into a skid. Action: ahead of you.
Slow down, keep well
clear, don’t slam on
the brakes. As a last
resort, you may have
to steer off the road.

1.5 Rules of the Road
1.5.1 The Left Hand Rule: 1.5.2 The Main Road or 1.5.3 The Exit or
Vehicle approaching Priority Road Rule Entering Rule
from the left
At road junctions and The Left hand rule does not You must give way to all
intersections not controlled apply where a Give Way or other traffic whenever you
by traffic lights or road Stop sign is present. exit a parking lot, a petrol
markings, priority must station, a residential area,
be given to vehicles Entering a primary road, a pedestrian way, the hard
approaching from the left. priority road, main road or an shoulder, or enter from an
This also applies in parking asphalt road from a gravel road, Off-Road area.
lots and public areas, etc. you must give way or stop to
traffic approaching from both This is known as the Exit or
left and right. Entering Rule.
This is known as the Main Road

Rule or the Priority Road Rule
1.5.4 The Turning Rule
When turning left at a crossroads, you must give way, not only
to oncoming motor vehicles, but also to any pedestrians who
may cross your path.
This is known as the turning rule.

1.5.5 The Obstruction Rule 1.5.6 The Bus Rule
In the event of a traffic jam, obstructing a crossroads or In cities or countries with

walkway is prohibited. public transport buses, buses
leaving a bus stop have
This is known as the Obstruction Rule. priority inside the city limits.
This is known as
The Bus Rule.
1.5.7 The Zipper principle
Where two roads meet like jam,etc., and is acceptable

T-Junctions, it makes road even though a road sign
sense to apply the zipper
principle, where one car may indicate that the
from each road moves approaching traffic
ahead alternately. has the priority
This situation is very

common during the rush
hour, at road works, in traffic

1.6 Exceptions to the rules
1.6.1 Vehicles excluded from the rules
Since emergency vehicles, Slow down and pull over to Remember:

fire engines, ambulances or the side of the road, stop
police vehicles on duty must completely if necessary.
be able to get to the scene • Emergency Vehicles are
of an accident as quickly as Disrupting the passage of beyond the traffic-rules.
possible, they are entitled an emergency vehicle or
to violate the traffic rules forcing your way through is • To warn other road
by breaching a red light or prohibited. users of their presence
passing an island on the and demand free
wrong side, always provided You are also required to passage, emergency
of course, that they can do give priority to: vehicles are fitted with
so safely. To warn other a rotating, flashing light.
road users of their presence • Military vehicles when
and demand free passage, moving in convoy • Sometimes a siren and/
emergency vehicles are or strobe lights are
fitted with a rotating, • Official convoys used as well.
flashing light. Sometimes a
siren and/or strobe lights are • Rescue vehicle convoys, • Always make way for
used as well. etc. emergency vehicles.
Always give way for Oncoming vehicles may • Slow down and pull
emergency vehicles. pass at a road work- over to the side of
site unless otherwise the road, stopping
instructed by a sign. completely if necessary.

1.7 Duty towards unprotected road users
1.7.1 Respect for pedestrians and cyclists 1.7.2 Courtesy and
interaction
with others
Traffic involves interaction

with other road users.
Pedestrians, cyclists, car
drivers, as well as truck
and bus drivers, share the
same road environment.
As we interact, we also
have to adjust, compromise
and show courtesy to
other road users.
So how do we interact with

other persons in the normal
course of life?
• We open doors for

one another.
• We don’t jump the queue

when waiting at the
Controlled pedestrian Probable causes supermarket checkout.
crossings are defined as of pedestrian
all crossings controlled by crossing accidents: • We are respectful when
a police officer or a traffic we meet as pedestrians.
light. All other types of • The driver did not
crossing are deemed as notice or ignored Why do we behave
uncontrolled pedestrian the pedestrian at the differently when we
crossings, even though side of the crossing. meet as drivers?
a traffic signal may be
flashing amber. • The driver’s view Would we push our way
was obstructed, to get ahead of another
Avoid overtaking cyclists at perhaps by the door vehicle if we knew that
intersections. Keep plenty of post of his or her car. we would meet the driver
space from the cyclists for later at work?
they often wobble. • The driver was going
too fast and had The same rules of behaviour
Slow down and stop if you insufficient time to should apply when we are
see that a pedestrian is watch the road, as interacting with other road
waiting to cross the road. he/she should users as do in other social
interactions.
• The driver overtook
a vehicle that had
stopped to allow a
pedestrian to cross
the road.

1.8 Order of traffic precedence
You may run into situations in which several types of instruction are given at once. If you do,
the order of precedence is as follows:
1. Signal given by a 2. Traffic light 3. Traffic sign 4. Rules of the road

police officer The green traffic The traffic light No police officer,
The green traffic light is on but the is flashing no traffic light,
light is on but sign says Stop. amber, but the and no traffic
the policeman is The signal-light sign says Stop. sign. Here the
signaling for you takes precedence The sign takes rules of the
to stop. over the traffic precedence. road apply, in
The policeman’s sign. this case the
signal takes obligation to give
precedence. way to vehicles
approaching from
the left.
Rules of the Road

1.8.1 Signals given by a police officer or other authority figure
Sometimes a police officer is directing the traffic. Usually, the You must also comply with
police will only take over if the traffic lights are out of order or signals given by the military
following an accident or a major public event. police and other persons
officially authorised to
Signals given by a police officer directing or checking the direct traffic.
traffic take precedence over all else.
Signals given by policemen:
Beckoning a vehicle from the side Slow down

vehicles approaching from left If given from a police car, follow the police
may continue. car and Pull over behind it when it stops.
All Vehicles must stop Vehicles approaching from behind and

when police man raise his hand. ahead must stop
both left and right may continue.
Stop
If a police car behind you starts alternately flashing the

blue and red lights mounted on its radiator, pull over to the
side of the road and stop immediately. After a while the
light may change to a steady red. The order to stop may
be preceded by a flash of the headlights.

1.9 Give Way and Crossing rules
1.9.1 Give way situations
An obligation to give way requires you to give clear indication You must not attempt to
of your intention to give way to other vehicles by slowing pass through the crossing
down or stopping in plenty of time. if by so doing you might
obstruct, impede or
endanger other road users.
You must give way:
• At uncontrolled • This is known as the • To oncoming traffic

pedestrian crossings Exit or Entering Rule. as you prepare to
where pedestrians turn left and to all
have already stepped • To traffic coming vehicles using the
out or are just up from the left. carriageway you
about to step on to Vehicles approaching will enter as you
the crossing. a junction or make the turn.
crossroads from the
• As you turn onto the left have priority. • This is known as the
road from a parking Turning rule.
lot, a gas station, a • This is known as the
residential area, a Left Hand Rule. • As instructed by
pedestrian way, the traffic lights and
hard shoulder or an traffic signs.
off-road area.

1.10 Giving and receiving signs and signals
1.10.1 Indicator signal
Sometimes If you are about to stop on You must signal to other

misunderstandings occur in a main road, park or turn road users what you intend
traffic. Although this may be round, your car’s position to do next when you:
simply due to ignorance, it's will give other drivers a clear
also true that some drivers signal, a visual clue as to • Set off the curb or side
tend to interpret signs and what you intend to do next. of the road,
signals in different ways. Giving a signal does not
release you from the • Turn off at a cross roads,
Besides watching out for responsibility in the event
other people’s signals, of an accident. In other • Turn onto the road,
you must also interpret words, you must never let
their meaning. If a signal your attention stray or stop • Change lanes or position
is unclear, keep alert showing consideration for yourself on the road.
for other clues. other road users.
All signals must be given in
plenty of time, and they
must be unambiguous and
clearly visible.
Giving a signal does not release you from

responsibility in the event of an accident.

1.10 Giving and receiving signs and signals
1.10.2 Horn, lights and hazard signals 1.10.3 Using the horn
at night
Sound signals or horn may • If you intend to pass a You must not use your horn
only be used to avert a danger. horse and a rider in residential areas from
If you are driving properly and midnight to 6:00 am, except
safely you will seldom need to Hazard lights must only be to avoid danger from a
use your horn. And remember, used in the event of an moving vehicle.
the fact that sounding your emergency or accident.
horn will not exempt you from If you need to warn
responsibility in the event It is very dangerous and other road users of your
of a collision. strictly forbidden to use the presence at night, flash your
hazard lights in heavy rain headlights instead.
It can be very useful to use as an excuse for high speed.
the proper light signals before
starting to overtake, especially In a sudden traffic jam or in
on fast roads to clear your congested conditions you
intention to other road users. may use the hazard lights
very briefly to inform the
Flashing your headlights/high driver behind you that they
beam have the same meaning need to brake hard.
as sounding the horn, no
more no less. During the towing, it might
be acceptable to use the
Do not sound your horn: hazard lights of the trailer
being towed. The vehicle up
• Except to avert danger front must be able to use its
indicators visibly.
• Longer than necessary

1.11 Light signals
1.10.4 Stoplights There are different types of light signals for different categories
of road user. Here are a few of the more common ones.
Stoplights come on Traffic lights normally apply to all vehicles. Traffic lights are
automatically as soon set up at crossroads and junctions to increase safety and
as you touch the brake. ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Even so, many accidents
still occur at light-controlled crossings. Proceed with caution
As you approach an even if you have a green light.
intersection, a good method
of signaling is to use the A light signal or traffic sign indicating an obligation to give
brake light to make your way will nearly always apply to you if it is placed on the
intentions clear to other road right-hand side of the carriageway just before the crossing.
users in good time and with However, if you are in a lane reserved for vehicles that are
sufficient distance. about to turn left, the traffic light with its green arrow filter
signal will often be placed to the left of the carriageway.
Now and then it may be
necessary to warn other Do not turn at a light just because you think the road is clear;
road users following you too make doubly sure that it really is clear before attempting to
closely or when you have go through the crossing.
entered a sudden traffic jam/
congestion, by touching the And far too many motorists, whether intentionally or
brake pedal and flashing unintentionally, go through the red light.
your stoplight.

1.11 Light signals
Know your lights in the correct order:
1. Steady red light means STOP. Driving through a red light is prohibited.
2. Steady green light means GO.
3. Steady amber light means STOP if you can do so safely. The light is about to change
to red. Brake smoothly!
4. Continuous Flashing amber light serves as a warning; it does not regulate the flow
of traffic. If the traffic light is flashing amber or has been switched off entirely, traffic
signs take precedence.
If there is no traffic sign, typical traffic rules apply.
Other types of light signals:
1. Pedestrian lights are placed at some junctions. As you turn onto another road,
remember that the pedestrian lights may be green. If so, you must Give Way.
2. Controlled pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians who wish to cross the carriageway can
activate a traffic light at a controlled pedestrian crossing.
3. One flashing amber light (or two alternately flashing amber lights) spells danger
and calls for extra care at busy locations or crossing points. This type of flashing
amber light signal is often used to draw the driver’s attention to a pedestrian
crossing or a warning sign.
4. Lane control signs are mounted above the lanes that are open to traffic. A red cross
means that the lane is closed to traffic.
5. Alternately flashing red lights at a fire station, etc. mean Stop.

1.12 Defensive driving
Defensive driving enables To drive defensively, you should:

you to predict risks and
avoid danger.
• Think ahead • Always position
Essentially, sensible safely and keep
defensive driving means • Be alert to what is to the correct
being aware at all times of going on around you driving lane
the risks involved and
doing your best to • Drive with active • Drive at the
prevent accidents. observation, correct speed
It means showing • Recognise • Check your rear view

consideration for road users traffic hazards mirror frequently
who are obviously not as
familiar with the road as • Keep a safe following • Brake in good time
you are. It means respecting distance from the
unprotected road users and vehicle in front of you • Check the road
showing courtesy and respect before setting off
for all those whose skills are
not up to your own.
Defensive driving requires

practice, experience and
a good deal of imagination.

Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the 1 What is the colour of a roadwork sign?
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
2 What is the colour of 3 What is the shape of 4 When does the Left Hand
a prohibitive sign? a warning sign? Rule apply?
5 What is the Turning Rule? 6 What is the Main 7 What is the Exit or

Road rule? Entering Rule?
8 What is the Obstruction 9 What is the Bus Rule? 10 What is Zipper Principle?
Rule?

Chapter Two
INSIDE THE
CITY LIMITS
2.1 Inside the city limits
2.1.1 Positioning where several lanes lead to the same direction –
inside the city limits
To avoid accidents, you must

position your car correctly,
which means thinking far
enough ahead to avoid having
to change lanes at the last
second. The one sure way to
avoid a collision is to keep to
your lane at all times, following
its course as marked on the
road, even though a straighter,
simpler path may sometimes
appear more suitable to you.
1. Straight ahead 2. Turning right 3. Turning left
• To continue straight • To turn right, choose • To turn left, choose

ahead, choose the the right-hand lane the left-hand lane
lane best suited to best suited to you in best suited to you in
your onward journey plenty of time. plenty of time.
in plenty of time.
• Avoid unnecessary
• Avoid unnecessary • Avoid unnecessary lane changes by
lane changes by lane changes by thinking ahead.
thinking ahead. thinking ahead.
• The lane arrows
• The lane arrows help • The lane arrows help you choose the
you to choose the help you choose the correct lane.
correct lane. correct lane.
036 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS

2.1.2 One way traffic
One-way traffic means that you can drive only in one direction. To turn left from a one-way
street, keep as far to the left
The streets are marked with the One-way traffic sign at the as possible.
beginning of the block and apply until the next junction. To
prevent traffic from entering in the wrong direction a No Entry
sign is posted at an appropriate point.
One-way traffic means that you can drive only

in one direction.

2.1 Within city limits
2.1.3 Roundabouts
Roundabouts make it easier When you exit from a

to enter junctions and roundabout you may have to • To turn right, get into
intersections in light-traffic change lanes, so it is especially the right hand lane.
areas and, giving priority to the important to keep an eye
vehicles inside the roundabout, open for vehicles that may be • To turn left, move
can make roads safer. Since coming up from the right. over into the
all approaching vehicles must left-hand lane.
give way to those already on Maintain the same lane before,
the roundabout, the risk of during, and when exiting • The illustration above
colliding with another vehicle is the roundabout. shows how the Give
greatly reduced. Way and Roundabout
Use the right indicator when signs together signal
Roundabouts are essentially deciding to exit your obligation
no different from an ordinary the roundabout. to give way.
crossroads, with one or more
lanes encircling a central island. When approaching a junction, • Always signal your
maintain the same lane before intention to leave
To avoid having to stop or and after crossing. the roundabout by
hesitate about where to turn flashing your right
off, think well ahead. And hand indicator.
expect large or oversized
vehicles to need more than one
lane to turn.

2.2 Using your eyes and other senses
2.2.1 Scanning technique, peripheral vision and central visual field
The central visual field

represents the tiny area in
which the image is actually
in focus. Everything else is
blurred. Obviously, then, it
is essential to keep shifting
your gaze in order to scan
every part of the road ahead.
The important thing to

realise is that the two
fields of vision, central and
peripheral, complement
each other perfectly.
Your peripheral vision

enables you to discover
things, while your central
field of vision, where the
objects are in focus, enables
you to recognize them.
There is a reason why road The red spot is the only part of Experienced drivers
users sometimes fail to the retina where we perceive make better use of their
recognize and react to the objects as being sharply peripheral vision and they
key elements of their traffic in focus. It corresponds to tend to scan the road more
environment. A driver’s our direct or central field of systematically than novice
scanning technique, or vision. It is a curious fact that, or inexperienced drivers.
how and when to read and of everything we see, only 2 Novice or inexperienced
interpret the driving when percent is in full focus. drivers on the other hand,
proceeding along the road is tend to concentrate more
crucial in helping to identify Everything else in our on stationary objects and
the overall conditions which peripheral field of vision keep their eyes close to
could end up in an accident. is more or less out of their own vehicle.
focus, or blurred. Even if
Tests have shown that you have perfect eyesight,
scanning techniques the sharpness or acuity of
vary between individual your peripheral vision is
drivers and tend to actually less than 0.1 on the
change and advance in acuity scale.
step with the driver’s
advancing experience.

2.2 Using your eyes and other senses
2.2.2 Visual defects - visual acuity and the visual field
Good visual acuity and an

unimpaired visual field,
that is to say sharp vision
and an unobstructed view,
are fundamental to correct
decisions in complicated
traffic situations. Your eyes
provide you with 90% of all
the information you need to
manage your car in traffic,
so any visual defect is likely
to affect your driving in one
way or another.
Driving in the dark is It is important to realise that

especially tough on your poor eyesight can seriously
eyes. Some drivers become impair your driving ability.
shortsighted at night
and may need corrective
lenses; others suffer loss
Your eyes provide you with

of visual acuity because
of a reduction in their
90% of all the information

sensitivity to contrast
or the eye’s ability to
you need to manage your

distinguish between various
shades of grey.
car in traffic
2.3 Lanes
2.3.1 Queuing / lanes 2.3.2 Changing lanes and passing other vehicles in lanes
more dangerous on fast

roads. It is clear from the
number of accidents caused
by speeding and failure to
warn other drivers when
attempting a lane change.
Frequent overtaking on the
right and left that leads to
confusion of traffic flow and
disturbance to other road
users is doubly dangerous.
A prohibitory line separating

two lanes means:
Do not change lanes!
If you yourself wish to

change lanes, think ahead
and move over well in
In a queue, traffic jam or Drivers may change lanes advance of the prohibitory
other congested conditions, only if they can do so safely lines commonly found
collisions or pile-ups and without causing any at junctions and on
frequently occur simply unnecessary hindrance to stretches of road where
because the vehicles other road users. local conditions make lane
involved were driving too changing unsuitable.
fast or were too close and A driver observing that
unable to brake in time. another road user wishes to Help keep the traffic flowing
enter his or her lane should - drive in the correct lane.
By looking well ahead facilitate entrance into the
and keeping track of the lane by adjusting his or her In some cases, you may
vehicles further up the road speed appropriately. pass another vehicle on
you can steer clear of such the right without feeling
accidents. This makes it If you see that another that you are passing on
much easier to adjust your road user wishes to enter the wrong side.
speed to an appropriate your lane, do all you can to
level, since the stop lights of assist him/her. The easiest
the cars up ahead will warn way is to leave plenty of
you when it is time to slow space between you and the
down and you will have more vehicle ahead.
chance to react if you have
to stop in a hurry. Some drivers insist on
changing lanes constantly,
frequently, dangerously
and without good reason.
These actions are even

2.3 Lanes
2.3.3 Things to consider
It's permissible to pass from right side in the

following situations:
• In a congested traffic • in place where any

where the right lane is action is prohibited
open; according to traffic
instructions, signs and
• The overhead signs indicationsYou may pass
above the lanes show on the right hand side, of
that the lanes lead to a vehicle that has clearly
different destinations; indicated that it is about
to turn left.
• Drivers are keeping to
their own correct lanes
before negotiating a
junction;
Changing lanes quickly, efficiently and safely:
• Adapt your speed to • As you turn the • The signs above the
local conditions. wheel, check your lanes correspond to
side mirror and the lanes marked on
• Check the traffic all glance quickly over the carriageway. A
around. Use your your shoulder again prohibit line between
mirrors, and don’t to check for any lanes means that
forget your car’s vehicles that may be changing lanes is
blind spot. Check hidden in your car’s forbidden. Lane
your side mirror! blind spot. indication signs
make it easier for
• When the closest • Move smoothly over drivers to select the
vehicle has drawn into the other lane, correct lane in time.
level, signal that accelerating gently
you wish to change as you do so.
lanes and check
the reactions of • Plan ahead. Choose
other drivers. your route wisely.

2.4 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits
2.4.1 Pedestrian Crossing 2.4.2 Elderly and disabled
pedestrians
Overtaking and crossing - Exceptions to the Many people suffer from

junctions, bends and hills overtaking restrictions some form of disability.
Disabilities may be visible,
Overtaking is prohibited: You may overtake: signaled or invisible.
• Just before or while • If the vehicle ahead of Persons with invisible

crossing a junction or you has clearly indicated disabilities are less easy
intersection by a visual signal and its to recognize, so it is often
position on the road that difficult for motorists to
• At places where your it is about to turn left, show them the courtesy and
view of the road is and if you overtake on consideration they are due.
obstructed, such as at the right side. Any number of common
the brow of a hill or at a conditions can lead to an
bend on the road invisible disability. So if you
see someone you know or
School crossing patrols help

suspect to be challenged
in any way, slowdown
school children to cross a

in plenty of time and be
prepared to give way.
busy and crowded street

2.4 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits
2.4.3 Children and traffic
Children live in a world of their Remember:

own and should really be kept
away from roads and traffic
altogether, but since this is 1. Children are small. stopping to consider
not always possible, the driver They are not easy the consequences.
should learn something about to see when they More often than
how they behave. are playing behind a not they run rather
parked car. than walk across
School crossing patrols the street.
help school children to 2. A child’s eyesight is
cross a busy and crowded not fully developed. 4. Children are always
street on the way to and A young person’s at play. For children,
from the school. The patrols eyesight is not everything is a
alert drivers that there are fully developed game. They live in
children on the road. until around the a world of fantasy
age of fifteen. A and imagination
A child should be treated as child’s visual field and have little
a living warning sign. And the is therefore limited. understanding of the
responsibility for ensuring that Children don’t see dangers of the road.
there won’t be an accident things ‘out of the
is yours. After all, the person corner of their eye.’ 5. Children do not
with the experience, with the They have specific become reasonable
ability to foresee potential vision, i.e. they tend and safe in traffic
danger, is you, not the child. to see only one thing until they are 9-12
at a time. years old.
Children playing in or near
the road may not be thinking 3. Children are 6. Children are poor
about the traffic. Watch out impulsive. They act judges of speed
for the ball. Watch out on impulse, without and distance.
for the child

2.5 Stopping, parking and turning
2.5.1 Sudden, 2.5.2 Stopping and parking
abrupt stopping
on the carriageway side

could suddenly open just as
you are passing.
As a general rule, you

should stop or park on
the right-hand side of
the road. Stopping or
parking on the pavement is
strictly prohibited.
Many accidents occur due Drivers may not simply stop

to vehicles stopping abruptly or park wherever they like in
without prior warning, causing a manner that represents
the following vehicle to collide a danger or obstructs
with the offending vehicle. An traffic unnecessarily.
even worse habit observed
on the roads is when a driver A vehicle halted on or at
sharply cuts across another the side of the road may
vehicle. This is quite common seriously impede the flow
among taxi drivers, when of traffic. It may obstruct
they suddenly see a potential other drivers’ view of the
Many
customer waiting by the road and force other vehicles
side of the road. towards or across the
accidents
centerline; or it may simply
Never cut across other make things more difficult
occur
vehicles suddenly, whether for other people using the
in order to turn or to road. The more it obstructs
due to vehicles
pick up a passenger. other drivers’ view of the
road, the greater the danger
stopping
It is advisable, in addition it represents, particularly
to giving the correct signal, on roads where the traffic
abruptly
to press gently on your is moving fast.
brake pedal several times
without
as an added precaution Watch out for cars parked
to alert drivers behind you by the side of the road.
prior warning,
and give them time to take If someone is inside the
appropriate action. vehicle, one of the doors

2.5 Stopping, parking and turning
Stopping/Waiting and Parking: Things to remember when you leave your vehicle:
What’s the difference?
As soon as you pull up,

you are considered to have • Never stop or park where you might cause an
stopped. As long as you obstruction or represent a danger to
remain behind the wheel with other vehicles.
or without engine running,
you are considered to be • Make sure the handbrake is firmly on before you
waiting. And, the moment leave the car.
you go out of the car after
stopping, you are said to have • Take the key out of the ignition and lock your car.
parked your car.
• When you park • When you park up hill,

downhill, turn your turn your front wheels
front wheels towards to the opposite side
the curb to prevent of the curb to prevent
the car from running the car from running
forward downhill in backwards downhill
the event of parking in the event of parking
brake failure. As an brake failure. As an
extra precaution, it extra precaution, it
is advisable to leave is advisable to leave
your car in reverse your car in first gear
gear rather than rather than in neutral.
in neutral.
Stopping and waiting is prohibited in the following places. And, naturally, where you cannot
stop or park.
• Within 15 meters of a • In an underpass • On roads or

junction/crossing or or tunnel. tracks reserved
pedestrian crossing. for pedestrians
• On or just before or or cyclists.
• At any place where after a bend in the
you might conceal road or at the brow • In restricted areas.
a road sign or of a hill.
traffic light. • At T-junctions.

Parking is prohibited in the following places
• At places where you the side of the road.

might hinder access • In assigned parkings
to or exit from a • In front of a fire with any of the tires
building or site. hydrant or at any touching or on the
location reserved marking-lines.
• Alongside another for handicapped/
parked vehicle or any disabled persons or • At a bus stop.
equipment installed at ambulances.
No Stopping/Parking signs
• Wherever the No • A Parking Prohibited • A Disabled Persons

Stopping or Parking sign means that sign means that only
sign is posted, although you may disabled persons
stopping and parking stop to pick up or holding special
are both strictly drop off passengers permits may park in
prohibited. or goods, you must the space(s) marked.
do so without
unnecessary delay.
2.5.3 U-turns
Some junctions have at the junction. Remember normally have red light.
provision allowing U-turns to to give way to all oncoming Designated U-turn sites
be made. Here you will have traffic. At junctions with traffic work in the same way. Even
to position the vehicle in the lights and where U-turns are here, you will have to give
left lane and make the U-turn allowed, oncoming traffic will way to all oncoming traffic.
2.5.4 Changing direction by means of a U-turn or reversing
If you find yourself traveling The responsibility for any Where the traffic flow is
in the wrong direction and mishap will be entirely yours. heavy and the speed is
have to turn around, make high, do the changing of
sure you turn at a place Making a U turn is only your direction at one of the
where other road users will permitted from the left lane designated U-turn sites
be able to see you clearly. If and only if you can turn or keep going to a more
you have to reverse, always safely and without causing suitable location further
reverse into the minor road. unnecessary hindrance to down the road.
When reversing, watch out other road users.
for children.

If you are not sure about the 1 What is the action when turning to left?
2 What should be your basic 3 How do you change lane 4 How do you behave when
positioning on a one-way and pass other vehicles driving in a queue inside
traffic with several lanes? on the road? the city limits?
5 When is it permissible to 6 What are the situations 7 What is the difference

pass from the right side? where overtaking is not between parking and
permissible? waiting?
8 What are the spots 9 What should be your 10 What are the things you
where parking is not basic position in two- need to remember when
permissible? way traffic for performing leaving the car?
a U-turn?

Chapter Three
OUTSIDE THE
CITY LIMITS
3.1 Outside city limits
3.1.1 Safety check before setting out
You must be able to carry

out a systematic check of
your car, taking into account
the weather, your destination
and the state of the road.
The driver’s manual will give
you advice and instructions.
During the practical

training, you will learn
how to do a systematic
check of your car.
Always adapt to local traffic conditions.
052 OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS

3.1.2 Things to consider when leaving town
3.1.2.1 Speed limits Major roads mean high Always adapt to local traffic
speeds. And high speeds conditions.
Driving speed must never are perfectly acceptable
exceed the speed at which provided nothing gets in the The maximum speed limit on
the driver can maintain safe way. Remember that hitting the major roads in UAE is
control of the vehicle and another vehicle at 40 km/h, 140 km/h
bring it to a halt on the which is not particularly
carriageway or hard shoulder. fast, is equivalent to falling inside the city, the speed
onto a concrete floor from limit is usually 80 km/h,
This means that the distance a height of 10 meters
needed to slow the car to a for the occupants of the Outside built-up areas, the
halt must be clear and free vehicles involved, the impact standard speed
of any visible or anticipated is murderous. limit is 100 km/h.
obstacle on the road ahead.
Fortunately, the recipe for
avoiding collisions is simple:
anticipate, observe, adapt.
3.1.2.2 Adapting your speed
Hidden danger The road

As you travel down the road, Naturally, you must also
you must be able to bring adapt your speed to the
your vehicle to a halt well condition of the road you are
before reaching an obstacle driving on. On gravel roads,
on the road ahead, whether the braking distance is much
real or potential. As a driver, longer than on asphalt, and
you must teach yourself to a wet asphalt road is more
predict what could be hidden slippery than a dry one.
behind a parked car, behind Teach yourself to ‘read’
a hedge or round the next the road and predict where
You must also adapt your bend. This ability comes danger might lurk: at bends,
speed to the state of the only with practice. on hills, on wet patches, and
traffic, the weather, visibility, many other places.
the weight of your load, the
condition of your vehicle, Driver limitations The vehicle
and, above all, your own Never allow speed to get the Performance varies greatly
abilities. Do not base your upper hand. Stay in control from one car to the next
driving on what you think. of your car at all times. and even more so from
Base it on what you see and Many drivers overestimate motorcycle to motorcycle.
on what you know. their own abilities and drive So, if you borrow a vehicle
dangerously fast. This is you’re unfamiliar with, make
why single-vehicle accidents sure you take things easy.
are the most common type
of accident on main roads
outside built-up areas.

3.1.2.3 The road
Avoid accidents as much as possible. All vehicles must be driven at an appropriately low speed:
• In built-up areas view of the road is • When approaching

restricted children on or by
• Where visibility is the side of the
poor owing to bad • Wherever there might carriageway
weather or poor light be a risk of dazzle
• When approaching
• At pedestrian • On encountering an animals on the
crossings or other oncoming vehicle on road ahead
places where a narrow road
pedestrians • At road works
cross the road • On slippery roads
• At the scene of
• At crossroads • When approaching a an accident
and junctions bus, tram or school
transport vehicle • When the road
• At sharp bends that has stopped to surface is muddy
set down or pick up and you might splash
• At the brow of a hill or passengers pedestrians or other
wherever the driver’s road users

3.1.2.4 Speed blindness
It is all too easy to become Instead, what nearly always Unless you keep an eye
accustomed to high speeds, happens is that you have on your speedometer, you
to become speed blind. lost your sense of speed. can easily find yourself
After a while, the motorway traveling 20-30 km/h faster
actually seems pleasurable. It is only when you need than you think.
to slow down quickly that
You enjoy traveling fast. you realise what speed is One factor contributing to
Then your exit comes up. all about. A car doing 60 speed blindness is a lack
Turning off the motorway km/h on a dry road needs of stimuli needed for the
is easy and when the about 35 meters of road to driver to form an accurate
speed limit sign appears stop. If you are traveling impression of his or her
you wonder whether your at 120 km/h, you will need true speed. As modern
speedometer is showing about 110 meters. cars handle smoothly and
the correct reading. By the without excess noise even
time you’ve slowed down In other words, whenever at high speeds, we are often
to 60 km/h the car feels you accelerate, it is vital unaware of how fast they
practically at a standstill. to consider your can actually travel.
stopping distance.
This is something you In addition, monotonous
will almost certainly Speed blindness is driving on straight, well-
experience at first hand and dangerous first and foremost made roads offers little in
it is very seldom that the in that you tend to misjudge the way of visual variation.
speedometer will be wrong. your braking distance.

3.1.2.5 Tunnel vision 3.1.2.6 Bends
Too much acceleration

can cause the wheels,
particularly on rear-wheel
drive vehicles, to lose their
grip and skid resulting
the vehicle swinging off
the road. Increase the
speed only when you have
straightened the wheel as
you leave the bend.
Judging the correct road

speed as you approach
bends and corners takes
practice and experience. The
correct speed is the one that
takes your vehicle around
the bend under full control
Tunnel vision causes the A bend can feel like a sharp with the greatest safety for
visual field to ‘narrow’ with corner to a driver who you, your passengers and
increasing speed. The faster approaches it too fast - with other road users.
you drive, the further ahead disastrous results. There are
you fix your gaze. In other no hard and fast rules. You The speed should depend on
words, you see things only will have to judge the correct the type and condition of the
in a small portion of your position and the proper road, the sharpness of the
visual field and therefore and correct speed for the bend, the camber or surface
fail to observe things off to corner or bend. curve of the road, visibility
one side. To avoid tunnel and the weather conditions.
vision, adapt your speed The secret of dealing with
to local conditions and bends is to slow down When reducing speed before
keep shifting your gaze. before the bent. Use the entering a bend, take your
Scan all parts of the road accelerator so that the foot off the accelerator and
ahead. When driving at high engine is doing just enough reduce the vehicle speed
speed, counteract tunnel work to drive the vehicle to the road speed using the
vision by scanning. round the bend without foot-brake progressively.
going faster. If necessary, change to
Keep in mind also that a lower gear.
tunnel vision can be caused The correct speed at a
by or aggravated by stress. corner or bend will depend You should reduce the
on a number of things, speed before you turn.
including how sharp it is
and whether there is other
traffic about.

3.1.2.7 Skidding
Avoid braking on a bend.

This can make your
vehicle unstable.
The sharper the bend, the

more drastic the effects
of braking and the more
likely the vehicle is to skid.
Brake before the bend, if any
braking is necessary.
Do not confuse ‘using

the accelerator’ with
‘accelerating’, which means
going faster. When dealing
with bends ‘using the
accelerator’ means using
it just enough to drive the
vehicle around the bend. Remember
Drive at a safe speed while
keeping the right amount
of load on the engine • You slow down before the bent and you have to use the
and the right amount of accelerator so that the engine is doing just enough work to
grip on the road. drive the vehicle round the bend without going faster.
Where vision is restricted, be • Adjust your speed and do not go into the bend too fast.
prepared to meet oncoming
vehicles, pedestrians or • The correct speed at a bend will depend on a number of
obstructions, such as slow- things, including how sharp it is and whether there is other
moving or broken-down traffic about.
vehicles, without much
advance warning. • Too much acceleration can cause your vehicle’s wheel
to loose grip and skid. Increase the speed only when you
Look well ahead for have straightened the wheel as you leave the bend.
changes in the camber of
the road, which could affect • Judging the correct road speed as you approach bends
your control. and corners take practice and experience.
• Avoid braking in a bend: this can make your vehicle

unstable. The sharper the bend, the more drastic the
effects of braking and more likely the vehicle is to skid.
Brake before the bend, if any braking is necessary.
• Where vision is restricted be prepared to meet oncoming

vehicles, pedestrians or obstructions, such as slow-
moving or broken-down vehicles.

3.1.2.8 Keeping your distance: The three-second rule
What is the correct distance to keep between you and another vehicle?
The three-second rule is an brakes yourself. In this time, stop lights of the vehicles
easy way to measure the you and your vehicle will ahead will give you ample
distance to a car in front of have covered 17 meters warning that it is time to
you on main-road driving. As if you are traveling at 60 slow down, and you will
you drive, choose an obvious km/h, 22 meters at 80 km/h have more time to react if
reference point on the road and 33 meters at 120 km/h you have to bring your car to
ahead, such as a palm tree before you react. a sudden stop.
or a shadow from a bridge.
When the car in front of you Keep your distance, and Some people believe that
passes that point, start to always scan the road as far they save time by driving
count - one hundred and ahead as you can! fast. However, this is a
one ... one hundred and two misconception and an
... one hundred and three. If Try to concentrate primarily unfortunate one, for it
you pass that point before on what is happening to creates unnecessary stress
reaching one hundred and the cars further up the and is the cause of many
three, you are driving too road, which is easier if you unnecessary accidents.
close. Take your foot off are not following exactly
the accelerator! in the tracks of the vehicle For example, if your average
immediately ahead. If this is speed is 80km/h and you
If the driver ahead applies impractical, try to scan the accelerate to 100km/h, the
the brake, it will normally traffic by looking through time you will save will be as
take about a second for the windows of the vehicles little as 1 minute over the
you to react and apply the further along the road. The next 10 kilometers.

3.2 Road works
3.2.1 Dealing with road workers
Road repairmen work under considerable pressure. Not only must they concentrate on
their work, but they must also be on the constant lookout for oncoming traffic. So show
consideration for people doing a tough job, slow down in good time and keep well clear of the
repair works site.
Some ways you can reduce risks on the road:
• Keep a sufficient distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
• Apply the three-second rule.
• If someone is driving too close on your tail, take your foot off the accelerator and to
increase the safety margin.
• Be prepared for action at all times, i.e. by being extra alert whenever you think
things could start getting dangerous
• Be prepared to brake, i.e. by moving your foot over to the brake pedal and being
ready to stop in the shortest possible distance.
• Adjust your distance to the vehicle ahead depending on the speed of the traffic and
the state of the road.

3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.1 Turning onto a major road
temporarily on the wrong

side of the center line.
Be aware of traffic coming

towards you from the other
direction, i.e. from the right;
someone may decide to
overtake just as you start
making your turn.
Stop and wait at the stop

line until the road is free
of oncoming traffic in
both directions.
While you are waiting to

move out, a car coming
up from the left with its
right-hand indicators
flashing, may signal its
intention to turn to the right
onto your road.
Before turning into a major The hard shoulder is
road, you must give some primarily a safety zone Don’t trust it.
thought to the speed of serving as a refuge for
the vehicles you are likely broken-down vehicles. Use Remain where you are
to encounter on it. An the shoulder sensibly. And until you know it is safe.
oncoming car doing 80 km/h be aware of the risks! Never A quick assessment of
covers 22 meters a second, use the shoulder at night the risks involved should
meaning that by the time you or in poor light. Parking is remind you that:
start moving and turn onto prohibited on roads outside
the road, which will probably built-up areas. Naturally, this • Drivers often forget
take 5 to 6 seconds, it will also applies to the shoulder. their indicators ON, and
have closed the gap between sometimes turn them on
you by some 120 meters. When you overtake or pass accidentally.
a large lorry or bus, be
Clearly then, to give the other prepared for turbulence, • In addition to that, a
driver plenty of time to brake, which may affect vehicle that is indicating
you should continue waiting your steering. could be hiding another
at the stop-line unless your vehicle behind.
car and the oncoming car You must give way to all
are at least 300 meters vehicles on the main road.
apart. However often you
can’t see nearly that far, This includes any vehicle
especially in poor light. that may be in the process
of overtaking and are hence

3.3.2 Estimating the meeting point when overtaking
Check the road Mirrors Check the blind spot

(Center & Side) then switch the indicator
Check the road again Start over taking Back to the right when
you see the car which
being overtaken in the
center mirror
Suppose you wish to although quite often that

overtake a vehicle ahead. is only because one of the • The distance
The road is perfectly straight vehicles - the oncoming car between you and the
and visibility is excellent. In or the one being overtaken - oncoming vehicle
the distance you can see an is forced to take action and
oncoming car. Is there time either brake or pull over onto • The speed of the
to overtake, or would it be the shoulder. And, of course, oncoming vehicle
safer to wait? that is not how overtaking
should be done! • The distance
It is a recognized fact that required to
the human brain is poorly Imagine if we had a better overtake the vehicle
equipped to absorb all of understanding of the force ahead of you
the relevant information and to which a body traveling
perform the calculations at 90 km/h is subjected as • The point at which
necessary to form an it is brought to a sudden you will meet the
accurate assessment of stop. Almost certainly, we oncoming vehicle
the situation. would quickly develop a
healthy respect for speed • Whether you will
And indeed, the calculation and acquire a deeper, more be able to overtake
is a tricky one, so you personal understanding of the vehicle ahead
must determine: its role in accidents and in good time
death on the roads. before meeting the
Overtaking does not usually oncoming vehicle.
end in a catastrophe,

3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.3 Overtaking distance
Overtaking calls for good Before you overtake, When someone else
judgment and cooperation ask yourself the overtakes you:
between several different following questions:
people. Speed differences,
weak engines, distances, 1. What will I gain by • Help the other
hidden dangers and a overtaking? driver to overtake
confused traffic environment by keeping as far
can all give rise to serious 2. How far ahead can I over to the right
errors of judgment. see? as possible.
The speed of an oncoming 3. How long will I need to • Don’t speed up.
vehicle is notoriously overtake? Speeding up when
difficult to judge with any being overtaken
accuracy, and this makes it 4. How fast is the prolong the process
all the more difficult to judge oncoming vehicle of overtaking, which
your overtaking distance. traveling? will create a risk.
5. How quickly can I • If things start

accelerate? getting dangerous,
do everything you
6. How fast can I overtake? can to help the
other driver.

The three stages of overtaking:
Stage 1
1. Check the road as far ahead as you can and get ready to overtake. Remember that
the vehicle in front of you may mask obstacles or vehicles further up the road.
2. Make sure that when you overtake you will be able to speed up sufficiently to allow
you to pass quickly and safely.
3. Use your mirror and check your blind spot to ensure that a vehicle coming up from
behind is not overtaking you. Switch on your left hand indicator.
4. Check the road once again to make sure that the vehicle you wish to overtake is not
masking an obstacle further up the road, e.g. on the shoulder.
5. Make sure that the driver ahead of you does not intend to turn left.
6. In the event of a danger, actual or potential, flash your lights or sound your horn.
7. Remember that cars may suddenly emerge out of side roads.
Stage 2 Stage 3
1. Overtake the vehicle ahead as quickly as you can • Don’t move back
without exceeding the speed limit. into the right
hand lane until
2. Leave plenty of room to the side. you can see
the overtaken
3. If you suddenly see a car coming from the vehicle in your
opposite direction, or if you are in the central mirror.
slightest doubt, DO NOT OVERTAKE. And use your
right hand indicator!
4. Don’t look at the other vehicle while you are in

the process of overtaking. You may find yourself
steering in the direction you are looking.
5. Avoid sudden swerves.

3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.4 Overtaking rules 3.3.5 Turning off a road: Right and left turn
for main roads
A driver may overtake junction with left hand turns

another vehicle provided he involve vehicles coming
can do so without danger. up from behind, but the
sole responsibility for such
However, overtaking another accidents, says the law,
vehicle is prohibited: belongs to the driver who
attempted to make the turn.
• If the lane in which you
intend to overtake is Before turning left, it is
blocked by an oncoming essential to check
vehicle or some other the road in both directions.
obstacle.
When you turn left you must
• On roads with only one give way to all oncoming
lane in each direction, traffic. The law clearly
therefore, crossing the states that turning left at a
centerline is prohibited junction is permissible only
if there is traffic coming if the turn can be negotiated
from the other direction. safely and without
obstruction to oncoming
• If a vehicle ahead of you To turn off a major road, traffic and vehicles coming
signals a left-hand turn use your mirror in good time up from behind.
or pulls over to the left. before the turn and check
for any traffic that may be Prepare the turn in good
• If a vehicle behind you approaching from behind. time and take up a position
begins to overtake. Then, give your signal and close to the centerline. As
move into an appropriate we have seen, it is quite
• If, after overtaking, you position on the carriageway difficult to estimate the
would be unable to some 300 to 400 meters speed of an oncoming car,
move back into the right before the turn comes up. so if there is traffic coming
hand lane. in the opposite direction and
To turn right, of course, you you are uncertain whether
move over to the right as far you will be able to make
as you can, not only to make it across the road in time,
room for other road users, but slow down sufficiently to
also to indicate that you will enable you to make the
shortly be slowing down and turn after the oncoming
turning off. If possible, check vehicles have passed.
the blind spot via a shoulder
check. Remember to check If you need to stop, do so
the speedometer as you could a few meters before the
have become speed-blind. junction with your front
wheels pointing in a forward
About two thirds of all direction - if a car were to
accidents occurring in a run into you from behind and

3.3.6 Using lay-bys, stopping, parking and
making U-turns
your wheels were pointing

left, you could be forced over
into the left-hand lane and
cause a head-on collision.
So keep your wheels straight,
and do not cut the corner.
Remember
• Give your signal

in plenty of time.
• Positioning
your vehicle
correctly keeps
the traffic flowing
and makes
things easier for
you and other If for some reason you should Do not make U-turns on the
road users. decide to stop on a main road, road unless you can see
you should preferably pull up what is coming. Any driving
• The position at one of the special lay-bys manoeuvres you make
of your vehicle or parking places spaced at on a main road must be
helps to inform regular intervals along the carried out without having
other road side of the road. A car parked to obstruct or interfere with
users of your on a main road is always a other traffic.
intentions. potential hazard, so if you
have to stop, pull over to the
• Move into an right as far as you possibly
appropriate can. If your car has broken
position on the down, set out your triangular
road as soon warning sign.
as you have
made the turn. Note also that parking on a
primary road outside a
built-up area is prohibited.

3.4 Driving on motorways
On a motorway it is Motorways differ from do happen on the motorway,

prohibited to: ordinary roads since they occur at higher speeds
they are designed to help and involve more vehicles.
traffic travel faster and in
• Drive a vehicle greater safety. This puts As a result, injuries are
designed for greater demands on both usually more serious,
speeds of less driver and vehicle. and often there is greater
than 60 km/h loss of life.
Traffic traveling faster
• Stop means that conditions You will quickly get used
change more rapidly. You to driving on high-speed
• Park need to be alert and have roads and can easily
total concentration. become speed-blind. This
• Reverse leads you to believe you
While safer in many are traveling much slower
• Turn around/ respects, fast, smooth than you actually are, with
make a U-turn roads do, however, have the result that you tend to
disadvantages. For example, drive too close to the vehicle
• Walk their lack of variation ahead. Speed-blind drivers
makes driving monotonous are all too often involved in
• Cycle and, consequently, the motorway pile-ups.
drivers get tired.
This section deals with the
Motorways are statistically special skills you need to
safer than other roads with drive safely on a motorway,
regards to the number and the situations you’re
of accidents occurring. likely to meet.
However, when accidents

3.4.1 Entering a motorway
The faster the traffic, the This rule is reinforced on

more time and space you some motorways, where
need for every driving action. chevrons – or V-shaped
You must give yourself spacer markings – are
greater margins, keeping painted on the motorway
your distance, than you surface. Keep at least two
would on ordinary roads. chevrons between you and
the vehicle in front.
Always make sure there is
enough space between you Tailgating (driving too
and the vehicle ahead. close to the car in front) is
a very dangerous practice,
Traffic travels faster especially on motorways,
because there are usually no where it is often the cause of
ordinary junctions, no sharp serious accidents.
bends, roundabouts, steep
hills or traffic lights. After you pass an exit,
there is usually a slip road
Leave a gap of at least one entrance where other
At an entry point where a slip meter for each km/h of your vehicles can gradually join
road leads to the motorway, speed. A useful method of the motorway.
adjust your speed to that judging this is to use the
of the traffic already on the three-second rule.
motorway before joining it.
Give priority to traffic already
on the motorway. Join where
there is a suitable gap in
the right hand lane. A quick
sideways glance might You should help other drivers join the motorway by:
be necessary to verify the
position of other vehicles.
• Slowing down and vehicles joining
Try to avoid stopping at the making space the motorway. Be
end of the slip road unless prepared to adjust
you are queuing to join • Speeding up if your speed.
other slow moving traffic. appropriate
• Moving over into
• Not trying to race the left hand lane,
Remember that when you them while they are providing you can do
leave the slip road you will on the slip road so safely, to make
be changing lanes, which it easier for joining
means that the responsibility • Looking well ahead traffic to merge.
for avoiding accidents will if there are several
be entirely yours.

3.4 Driving on motorways
3.4.2 Lane discipline and changing lanes
The left hand lane is for might have a crawler or

overtaking, and once you climbing lane to avoid heavy
have overtaken you should vehicles slowing down the
return to the right hand lane flow of traffic.
as soon as it is safe to do so.
Where motorways merge or
It is not meant to be used as separate, that is to say at
a ‘fast lane’. motorway interchanges, you
might be required to change
Because of the volume lanes, sometimes more than
of traffic on three-lane once. Pay attention to the
motorways, many are being overhead direction signs and
widened to four or more move into the correct lane in
lanes in each direction. good time. Where the hatch
markings indicate splitter
Keep to one of the right-hand islands, stay in your lane.
lanes unless there are many
slow-moving vehicles ahead. Assess conditions well
ahead and watch for other
Avoid repeatedly drivers changing lane.
changing lanes.
Maintain strict lane discipline, It is possible to stay in the 3.4.3 Hogging the
so that you are always in center or left lanes while you fast lane
the appropriate lane for are overtaking a number of
your speed and the traffic slower moving vehicles, but do Many drivers, particularly
conditions. Check the not stay in these lanes longer on external and fast roads,
rear view and side mirrors than you have to, delaying insist on driving and staying
frequently so that you are traffic behind you. in the fast lane, ignoring
constantly aware of the other faster drivers behind
relative speeds of all the Do not stay in an overtaking them and forcing them to
vehicles around you. lane longer than it takes you to overtake on the wrong side.
move out, overtake and move
Poor lane discipline is in again safely. Make sure you If you have to overtake
one of the most common do not block traffic that is not another vehicle, complete
examples of thoughtless allowed to use the outer lane. your manoeuvre, return to
behavior on motorways. It can your original lane or to the
occasionally play its part in an • Do not change lanes appropriate lane for your
accident when it forces traffic unless you need to. destination. On external and
into the outside lane. Far too fast roads, do not stay in the
often on motorways you will • Keep your vehicle steady fast lane. Give others the
see strings of cars hunched in the center of the lane. chance to overtake you.
needlessly in the outside lane.
• Do not wander into Use the left lane for
On a two-lane motorway, the another lane. overtaking only.
correct position for normal
driving is the right hand lane. A steep hill on a motorway

3.4.4 Leaving a motorway
Use the road signs and exits, look well ahead for the
markers to help you when advance warning signs. If
exit and use your mirrors you miss your exit, carry on
and indicators appropriately. to the next exit.
You will have plenty of As soon as the motorway

time to observe the signs becomes an ordinary arterial
and markers, so there is no or main road, you can
need to rush. expect to start encountering
oncoming traffic.
Exit roads sometimes curve
sharply or are quite short, After driving at motorway
so it is easy to imagine what speeds for some time,
could happen to a driver who your judgment of speed
has lost his or her sense of will almost certainly be
speed. Therefore, when on affected: 60 km/h seems
a motorway, make sure you more like 40 km/h. Adjust
check your speedometer your driving to suit the new
every now and then, conditions, and check your
especially when your exit speedometer. It will give you
is coming up. the actual speed.
Unless you are going all There will be ‘End of To leave the motorway, use
the way to the end of the Motorway’ signs at all exits. your mirrors and signal
motorway, you will be These mean that the road in good time.
leaving at some stage by you are joining will have
an exit on the right hand different rules. Remember to Get into lane early, unless
side, moving from the right watch for any signs telling you are already in the left-
hand lane onto the slip you what these are. hand lane. On a three- or
road. Get into that lane in four-lane motorway, this
plenty of time. The hard shoulder is NOT could mean changing lanes
an exit road and you should more than once, and you
Plan well ahead, particularly never queue or drive on the must follow the mirror and
on three- or four- hard shoulder. signal routine for each
lane motorways. change of lane.
The hard shoulder can be
Do not cut across a lane of used in case you need to pull
traffic onto the slip road. over in an emergency.
Do not move to the right Occasionally, where

more than one lane at a time motorways merge, there
and do not cut across at the may be an exit just prior to
last moment, especially from the one you intend to take. In
the second lane of a three- such a case, or where there
or four-lane motorway. are service areas near to

3.5 Dirt road driving and off-road driving
Dirt roads are very common Off-road driving or four- Off-road driving on
in the Gulf Region. This wheel driving is very sand dunes can be very
kind of road is not the best common in the Gulf Region dangerous. It is hard to see
type for driving on with an and is an ideal recipe for how steep the other side is
ordinary car. The surface adventure and excitement. and if you drive sideways
will be uneven and bumpy. To ensure that most of along a slope you can easily
It is loose and will become your memories are good, turn over. Never drive alone,
muddy and slippery when you should attend one of always travel with at least
wet. The surface wear the designated courses one other vehicle so that
due to passing vehicles to help you on your way. you have help at hand in
makes the road condition A good off-road driver case of need. If one gets
change constantly. is one with a healthy stuck, the other can still
regard for environmental travel to get help.
Always expect the awareness and safety.
‘unexpected’ when driving Always inform your family
on dirt roads. Drive slowly and your friends about your
and keep a respectable intention to go off-roading.
distance between you and
other cars and road users. In
spite of the lower standard,
these roads are no different
from highways in the speed
limits and normal rules for
driving must be obeyed.

If you are not sure about the 1 What is the correct procedure for joining a highway?
2 How do you avoid speed 3 What is the principal 4 What is a sufficient

blindness? cause of tunnel vision? distance when traveling
behind another car on the
public highway?
5 What is the correct 6 What should you never 7 What is the main cause of
procedure for overtaking? do on a motorway? tunnel vision?
8 What is the safety 9 What is the correct way 10 What is prohibited on the
distance between your to overtake another highway?
vehicle and the vehicle in vehicle?
front of you?

Chapter Four
DRIVING UNDER
DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
4.1 Driving in sunshine and hot weather
4.1.1 Your Vehicle
Before you start your a film of ‘traffic dirt’ from

In the Gulf Region, the journey, check the pressure the exhaust gases and
weather is generally fine in your tyres. Do not check other pollutants in and
and hot, but even this the pressure when you have around the road.
region has a range of been driving for a while,
weather conditions that because tyres will be warm Smoking deposits a thin
will affect normal driving and the reading will be film on the windows of the
styles and techniques. inaccurate. Tyres should be car, which reduces visibility
Different weather and checked and adjusted before and is often troublesome
road conditions can lead you start your journey, when to the driver.
to a variety of different they are ‘cold’.
hazards, from season Do not smoke when you are
to season and from one Keep the windscreen as driving your car.
region to another. clear as possible of water
Keep the
and grease marks. This
Problems vary widely, helps to reduce glare. Check
windscreen
depending on the type of the level in the windscreen
road and the amount of washer reservoir and top
as clear as
traffic passing through. up if necessary. Using an
This chapter deals with additive may help to keep
possible of
the main problems of the windscreen clean.
driving under difficult
water and
conditions and the Vision will be seriously
techniques of dealing impaired if your wipers
grease marks.
with them safely. are worn out or if your
windscreen has collected
074 DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

4.1.2 Dealing with the extreme summer weather 4.1.3 A large mid-day meal
(Heat and Sunshine)
Constant sun in your eyes Never stop on the hard The hot summer
can be exhausting on a shoulder of a motorway temperatures tend to lower
long journey and may well when you feel tired. Instead, your energy, especially after
affect your concentration. use the service areas or get a large midday meal when
Even if you do not feel the off the motorway. drowsiness may occur. If
need, the correct sunglasses you have to drive after a
can reduce the glare and Oil and water can make large business lunch during
keep your eyes efficient for the hot surface of the road the summer, take time to
longer. Avoid looking directly slippery and dangerous, digest it or, if possible,
into the sun. particularly if there is a sleep it off before starting
sudden rain shower after on a long journey. If that is
Take plenty of breaks and a long dry spell. Take extra impractical be aware that
refreshment on a long trip. care: watch your speed and your normal senses could be
keep your distance. affected. Drive at a slower
If you feel sleepy, stop speed than normal and take
and rest where it is extra care behind the wheel
safe to do so.

4.2 Driving safely in the dark
4.2.1 Your eyes at night 4.2.2 Speed at night
Humans do not have visual At night, your own and

acuity of a hawk nor can other motorists’ speed
they see at night like a cat. and distances are easy
to misjudge. You need to
Our ability to judge be more alert and aware
distances in daylight that you cannot drive as
depends on our being able fast at night – if you want
to see the shapes and colors to be safe – as you can in
around us clearly. The same the daylight. This includes
applies in the poor light driving at dusk or dawn,
conditions of fog, mist, rain even in good weather.
and the darkness of night.
In conditions such as these, Never drive so fast that
oncoming traffic appears you cannot stop well within
to be further away than it the clear distance you can
Over 600 people are killed actually is and may lead you see ahead of you, that is
on UAE roads each year and to make errors of judgment to say within the range of
many of these fatal road when you come to pass your lights. If you cannot
accidents occur in the dark. another vehicle. stop safely within the range
of your lights, you are
The risk of accident is You should have your going too fast.
greater at night than in eyesight checked regularly.
daylight; at a speed of 120 If you cannot see too well 4.2.3 Vehicle lights
km/h it is up to six times at night, it might be your
greater. Among the reasons eyes that are to blame; At night, your lights are the
for this is the fact that we night driving may be most important source of
have only a limited ability to highlighting the need for an information for both you
see in the dark. Quite simply, eyesight check. and for other drivers. When
our eyes are not designed you drive with your lights on,
for night vision. Give your eyes a minute other drivers can see you
or two to adjust to the earlier and tell which way
Driving at night demands darkness, particularly when you are heading.
special techniques and you are coming out of a
special precautions. brightly lit area or building. You may find it best to put
your lights on before dusk.
You will find that you Do not spray or tint the Do not be afraid to be the
are very much limited by windscreen or windows with first driver to switch on the
conditions at night. You tinted color. light. It is better to see and
cannot see as far as you to be seen. At dawn the
can in daylight, so less opposite applies.
information is available.
Do not switch off your lights
until you are sure it is safe

4.2.4 How to use your headlights when you see an oncoming vehicle
When you see an oncoming The entire stretch of road Since visibility is severely
vehicle at night, you must between the two vehicles restricted, drive at an
dip your headlights in should be lit up until one of the appropriately low speed.
order to avoid dazzling the drivers goes off full beam to
other driver. This applies signal that the other vehicle’s If you see a bus or lorry
to all types of vehicles lights are dazzling him. It is coming towards you at the
including bicycles. You do also important to switch back brow of a hill, dip as soon as
not need to dip your lights to full beam as soon as you you see the marker lights.
for pedestrians. Keep your start to pass the other vehicle. Drivers of large vehicles sit
eyes to the right hand side With dipped lights, pedestrians much higher up than drivers
of the road and try to see as walking on the right are often of cars and motorcycles and
far ahead as you can. When difficult to see, so switching will not be dazzled by your
your headlights are on full back to full beam in good time lights as quickly as you will
beam check the right hand gives you a chance to notice be by theirs, so dip early
verge before you dip. any obstacles in your path. to alert them.
Keeping a good distance from
Do not dip your lights the edge of the road also helps
too soon. you avoid obstacles.
4.2.5 How to use your headlights when overtaking
When you overtake, switch until after you have finished

back to full beam as soon the manoeuvre.
as you are sure you won’t
dazzle the other driver in his When you catch up with
or her rear view mirror. With another vehicle, you must
your headlights dipped, you dip your headlights so as
could fail to observe any not to dazzle the other
obstacles there may be in driver in his or her rear
or by the sides of the road. view mirror.
You will need to take extra
care before attempting to Buses and lorries have large
overtake at night. It is more mirrors, so dip early when
difficult because you can you see such vehicles on
see less. Only overtake if the road ahead or you could
you can see that the road cause the driver ahead of
ahead will remain clear you severe dazzle without
being aware of it.

4.2 Driving safely in the dark
4.2.6 If you are being 4.2.7 Dipping your 4.2.9 Parking and
overtaken headlights at a emergency
bend in the road stops at night
When you are being When you approach a right Always switch off your
overtaken, help the other hand bend you have to dip headlights when you stop,
driver by keeping full beams your headlights earlier. Your even for a short while.
on for as long as possible, or headlights will cut straight
until the other car becomes across the eyes of anyone It is an offence to leave
just visible to your left. Your coming towards you. them on when the vehicle
lights will illuminate the is parked.
road for both you and the When you approach a sharp
other vehicle. left hand bend, you may not The fixed glare of headlights
need to dip your lights at all. can be very dazzling,
especially if, for any reason,
the vehicle is on the offside
4.2.8 Positioning when you drive in the dark of the road facing oncoming
traffic. When you stop at
At night, it is safer to drive And remember that drivers night, switch on your parking
closer to the centerline than coming from the opposite lights instead.
during the day. direction may not be able to
see as well as you can. In the event of an emergency
If you meet an oncoming stop during the hours of
vehicle, keep halfway darkness, you must set
between the center and up your advance warning
the edge line and do not triangles at some distance
drive on the hard shoulder. behind your car and, if the
A pedestrian wearing dark electrical system is still
clothing, and therefore working, switch on your
not clearly visible, may be hazard lights.
walking near the verge.

4.2.10 Using your 4.2.11 Unprotected 4.2.12 Noises at night
headlights in road users
built-up areas
Always use dipped Wherever the streets Keep all noises to

headlights in built-up are lit up, expect to a minimum.
areas at night. It helps encounter pedestrians,
others to see you! cyclists, children and other • Don’t rev your engine.
unprotected road users.
In areas where streetlights • Close your car doors
cause patches of shadow, At night, such people are quietly.
watch out for pedestrians particularly vulnerable, since
who can be difficult to see. they believe themselves to • Remember that
be perfectly illuminated by neighbors and children
In built-up areas with the streetlights and behave may be asleep.
adequate street lighting, more or less as they would
driving on full beam in daylight. Remember to be • Take extra care setting
is prohibited. on the alert for pedestrians and disarming the
and approach pedestrian anti-theft alarm on your
crossings at a speed at vehicle.
which you can stop safely
if necessary.

4.3 Driving in fog
warning triangles. brightly to the rear of your
car and cars following will
When driving in fog, use see them better than just
dipped headlights and keep your rear lights and be able
well back from the to keep a further distance.
vehicle in front. That will reduce the chances
of a rear-end collision. You
If your car is fitted with high- must switch them off when
intensity rear fog lights, visibility improves. Using
use them in the fog only them at other times can
when visibility is seriously dazzle following drivers.
reduced. These will shine
The risk of early morning

fog can be frequent on Be Aware of Local Weather Conditions. Anticipate
major highways. Fog when fog usually accumulate in your area where you
conditions can lead to the usually drive
type of accident where
many vehicles crash into Don't Drift. There's a natural tendency to wander into the
one another, nose to tail. middle of the road when visibility gets bad. Be sure to
All too often, this results in keep yourself in your lane.
loss of life or serious injury
that could have been so Beware of Critters. Animals-especially white tail deer-feel
easily avoided. bolder under cover of fog and are much harder to see.
Poor visibility is frustrating Use the right edge of the road as a guide. This can help
and a strain on the eyes. you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded
Your ability to anticipate by oncoming headlights.
is dangerously hampered,
it is much more difficult Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask your passengers
to judge distances and to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and
speed in fog, when outlines obstacles on the road.
become confusing therefore,
you must stop your Slow down and leave plenty of room for stopping. There
vehicle safely. may be something ahead that you cannot see until you are
too close to it. If the vehicle ahead has to stop suddenly,
If you break down, get your you must have ample time to react and brake. You may
vehicle off the road if you not see or recognize that the vehicle ahead is braking, or
possibly can. has stopped, as soon as you would in clear weather.
Inform the police, and Overtaking in fog can be particularly dangerous. You
make arrangements to could well find that visibility ahead is much worse than
have your vehicle removed you thought and you won’t be able to see oncoming
as soon as possible if it is traffic soon enough.
creating an obstruction.
Never leave it on the wrong If you can possibly avoid it, never park on a road in fog.
side of the road or without Find an off-street parking place. However, if parking is
hazard lights and advance unavoidable, always leave your parking or sidelights on.

4.4 Driving in high winds
Some vehicles can High winds can also cause Then, when driving off, be
become unstable in strong problems when driving close aware of the possibility
crosswinds, because of to large vans and trucks. Do of sand spits on the road
their large surface and not stay alongside them or caused by drifting sand
comparatively low weights. too close to them for longer blown by the wind.
This can happen particularly than is absolutely necessary
on exposed stretches of to overtake them. There
High
the motorway. The effect will always be the chance,
can vary from a simple pull however small, that a strong
winds can
on the steering wheel to a gust could cause a large
strong pull on the whole transporter to topple over
also cause
car, causing it to wander, onto your vehicle.
perhaps into the path of
problems
another vehicle. In very bad The other problem
cases, the whole vehicle can associated with high winds
when driving
be lifted up off the road, with is that the sand blown
very serious results. from the desert, obscuring
close to
visibility. In a strong shamal,
In gusty conditions, watch it is sensible to pull over and
large vans and

for cyclists or motorcyclists stop on the side of the road
being blown sideways and until the storm has passed
trucks.
veering into your path. Allow and visibility is clear again.
extra room if overtaking.

4.5 Driving in rain
4.5.1 Aquaplaning
Even though rain is the surface of the road - create a hazard for the
uncommon in the Gulf and this is a good result. unsuspecting driver.
Region, it can have However, a driver’s visibility
devastating results when is seriously hampered by One problem when driving
it does come. Light rain heavy rain. The spray from in heavy rain is caused by
will make the roads very vehicles in front of you drivers who use their hazard
slippery, as the dirty can blind you, even though lights as an excuse for high-
surfaces turn into ‘skid your windscreen wipers speed driving.
pans’ and offer little grip to may be working at top
your tyres. Remember, the speed. Initially, that spray Hazard lights must not be
less grip your tyres have, will contain elements of oil used while driving in
the greater the distance and grease, as the roads heavy rain.
you will need to stop. Be are washed clean, and this
aware of this and take the will tend to create smears
necessary precautions by on the windscreen. Washer
driving slower than normal fluid will help to dissolve
and keeping further back the oil smears.
from the line of vehicles in
front of you to have more Vehicles drop all sorts of
stopping room in case of debris on the road surfaces
an emergency. – from little bits of tyre
rubber to oil dripping from
Heavy rainstorms pose a engine sumps or grease
different problem. A heavy leaking out from wheel
rainstorm will tend to wash bearings. This all adds
the slippery ‘ghee’ from up to a sludge that can

4.5.2 Dealing with floods
The area of contact between The more water on the At lower speeds, if the front
the road and a car tyre is road, the greater the risk of and rear tyres on one side
no larger than the palm aquaplaning. Aquaplaning of the vehicle hit a patch of
of your hand. The tread is a very unpleasant deeper water, the vehicle
pattern must therefore be experience and one that may swerve because of
designed to drain away can sometimes have the additional resistance
sufficient water to ensure disastrous results. to that side.
that the tyres maintain their
grip on the road. A clear indicatiton that you And remember, at 80 km/h
are aquaplaning is that the the tyres have to force away
A tyre that is unable to steering suddenly feels very up to 25 liters of water per
drain away water from light. When this happens, second when it is raining.
the surface of the road slow down by easing off the
will cause aquaplaning or accelerator. Never brake
hydroplaning, when the car or try to change direction,
skids along the surface of a because when you are
layer of water and becomes aquaplaning, you have no
impossible to steer or brake. control at all over steering
High speed, worn treads and or braking. Increasing
overly broad tyres are other your speed on a wet road,
causes of aquaplaning. increases the chance of your
vehicle skidding, therefore
Even with good tyres, you need to decrease your
aquaplaning can occur at speed and check the road
high traveling speed, so for wet surfaces.
you need to slow down and
keep your distance if the
road is wet.

4.5 Driving in rain
4.5.3 Dealing with 4.5.4 How to deal
flooded areas with a skid
When you have to pass not drive at normal speed Three important factors
through a flood, take your until you are sure they are cause a skid. In the order of
time. Stop and assess how working normally. importance, they are:
deep the water is. Do not
just drive into it; check the Always try to position your • The driver
depth. If the water seems car so that you can handle • The vehicle
too deep for your vehicle, unexpected overtaking • The road conditions.
turn back and go around and sudden meetings
the flood by another road. It with oncoming traffic in A skid occurs when the front
might take a little longer, but maximum safety. or rear of a vehicle in motion
that is better than finding suddenly and uncontrollably
yourself stranded in a flood. Overtaking and meetings swings around in a circular
with oncoming vehicles movement. Depending upon the
If the water is shallow and always involve some force of the skid, the vehicle may
not too deep and you decide element of risk. And if come to a quick stop or continue
to drive on through, drive as visibility is poor, as it may be in its circular path, turning
slowly as possible in first if your view is obstructed by multiple times. It is important to
gear, but keep up a steady a hill or a bend in the road know how a skid occurs, what
speed, and be sure to keep or if you are driving at night, causes skids and what to do in
to the shallowest part. in fog or rain, the risk is the event you are caught in one.
Remember, because of the even greater.
incline of the road, the water Skids do not just happen.
is probably deepest near the
edge and shallowest at the Skids usually occur when:
crown or center.
• the brakes are applied too
When you have driven safely hard
through, test your brakes. If
they do not work properly, • the vehicle accelerates too
it will help to dry them out quickly
if you apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while • the steering wheel is
driving along slowly. Do turned too sharply

Skids caused by braking: with wrong steering, you are
Harsh and uncontrolled asking for trouble. You are
braking is one of the chief bound to skid if your tyres are
causes of skidding. Brakes only just gripping while you
have their greatest stopping are turning a corner and you
power when they are nearly, start to brake. You could also
but not quite, locked. The skid if you are braking just
weight of the car is thrown before you start to turn the
forward, and the heavier corner. Do not expect your
you brake the more weight tyres to do the impossible.
goes to the front and the The answer is simple:
less to the rear wheels. adjust your speed to the
The less the weight on the conditions and give yourself
rear wheels, the more likely plenty of space.
they are to lock.
Skids caused by acceleration:
Anti-lock braking systems Sudden or harsh acceleration
(ABS) help you to continue while turning into a corner,
steering while braking, but particularly in the lower gears,
on wet or slippery roads this may cause the driving wheels
will be less effective. The to spin on the road surface.
brakes are only as good as Unless you ease off the
the tyre grip on the road. accelerator very quickly the
vehicle could go into a skid
Skids can happen on dry because of the wheel-spin.
roads, even with good • Allow the steering wheel
tyres, if you suddenly brake If you find you are in a skid to settle into the same
harshly. When the weight is there are a number of things direction as the skid,
thrown forward, it becomes you should do: easing off the accelerator
impossible to keep the at the same time. Be
vehicle straight. It begins to • Release the brake careful not to oversteer.
swing and only has to touch pedal fully.Drivers often Too much movement of
something to be in danger of instinctively do the the front wheels will lead
turning over. opposite, keeping their to another skid in the
right foot hard down on the opposite direction.
Steering too sharply for brake pedal throughout the
the speed at which you are skid. This makes matters
traveling is responsible for worse, so keep off the
skids caused by steering. If brakes.
you need to make a sharp
turn, slow down gradually. • Release the accelerator
and do not try to steer until
Skids caused by both the wheels regain some of
braking and steering: If you their grip.
combine wrong braking

If you are not sure about the 1 When should you check the air pressure in your tyres?
2 Why is the risk of being 3 What is the importance 4 What should you do to
involved in an accident of a vehicle’s lights at your headlights when you
greater at night? night? see an oncoming vehicle
at night?
5 Is using hazard lights in 6 Why is the stopping 7 What should you do after
fog permitted? distance longer when it is passing through flood
raining? waters?
8 What are the three most 9 What should you do if 10 When does aquaplaning
important contributing you find yourself in a happen? How can you
factors to a skid? skid? avoid it?

Chapter Five
CRITICAL
SITUATIONS
5.1 What is the main cause of traffic accidents?
Speeding is considered to
be the principal cause of
more than half of all road
accidents in the UAE.
A closer look at the situation

reveals that the root cause is in
fact a lack of road courtesy.
Some people are not aware

of the limits to their own
freedoms on the road. As a
result, reckless drivers end up in
hurting others. The attitude of
some motorists is that it is their
right to drive the way they want
to, forgetting that the road is not
their private property.
Another cause of road

accidents is lack of adherence
to the rules of the road. For
example, motorists get killed
because they do not fasten
their seat belts, do not consider
other road users or ignore the
speed limits.
A comparison of the death rates

and rates of injury between
men and women shows
that men are at much higher
risk than women.
Nine out of 10 persons killed

in Abu Dhabi traffic
accidents are men.
What makes the issue even

more critical in the UAE is
that more than 70% of the
victims are young male Emirati
Nationals in the prime of
their lives. The reason for this
high percentage of fatalities
are: driving recklessly, lack
of commitment to traffic
laws, using mobile phones
while driving.

5.2 Different types of critical situation and accident
5.2.1 The single 5.2.2 Crossroad accidents inside and outside the
vehicle accident city limits
Included in this category The causes of accidents at an intersection or junction are

are run-off-road collisions, usually one or both of the drivers did the following:
collisions with fallen rocks
or debris in the road, rollover • Ignored the rules of the road
crashes within the roadway
and collisions with animals. • Failed to notice road signs
The term single-vehicle
collision is not generally • Was driving too fast for the circumstances
used unless the driver and
passengers of the vehicle • Expected others else to abide by the rules of the road and
are the only ones injured. was/were therefore unprepared for a crisis
A high proportion of the • Failed to look out for other road users
traffic accidents involving
personal injury reported • Believed that the intersection was clear because the
by the police are single traffic light was green
vehicle accidents, where
only one vehicle is involved. • Misinterpreted a pedestrian’s intentions
These are not only the most
common type of accident, • Misjudged the distance to the junction
but also they account for
the most serious injuries as
compared with other types
of road accident.
092 CRITICAL SITUATIONS

5.2.3 Turning accidents 5.2.4 Oncoming traffic accidents
inside and outside
the city limits
Common causes of a Accidents between vehicles Common causes of a head-

collision between two traveling in opposite on collision are as follows:
vehicles while turning directions, often while
are as follows: overtaking, are the worst • Not expecting to meet
where most deaths and another vehicle and
• Misjudging the distance injuries occur. braked so hard that the
of an oncoming vehicle wheels got locked.
These collisions tend to
• Taking an oncoming have the most serious • Cutting across a left-
motorcycle for a moped consequences of all hand bend
accidents that occur on the
• Failure to keep an eye on road. In recent years, far • Driving too fast
the following traffic too many people have been
killed in head-on collisions,
Accidents between motor very often caused by
vehicles are accounted misjudged overtaking.
for more than one fourth
of all accidents with
personal injuries.

5.2.5 Overtaking accidents
Overtaking accidents are

caused when the driver
involved did the following:
• Decided to overtake even

though his or her view
of the road ahead was
restricted
• Misjudged the speed and

distance of the oncoming
vehicle
• Overestimated his or her

own car’s acceleration
capacity and forgot that
the other driver might also
decide to accelerate
• Unexpectedly encountered
an oncoming vehicle when
trying to pass a long-
bodied lorry or trailer
• Misjudged the state of the

road
Remember
• It is always permissible to refrain from overtaking
5.2.6 Accidents with people under influence of alcohol or other intoxicants
The simple rule is never greatly increases the risks of

drink and drive. Although collision and serious injury
driving under the influence on the roads.
of alcohol or other
intoxicating substances Alcohol is not to be mixed
is more common in the with driving.
West, it cannot be ruled our
anywhere, including the UAE.
Driving under the influence
of any intoxicant agent

5.2.7 Pedestrian crossing accidents
Common causes of pedestrian

accidents are as follows:
• Not noticing or ignoring

the pedestrian on the
other side of the crossing
• Obstructed view of the

driver, perhaps by the
doorpost or blind spot of
the car
• Driving too fast
• Neglecting to scan the

road
• Overtaking a vehicle that

had stopped to allow a
pedestrian to cross the
street
5.2.8 Accidents
involving cyclists
The followings are the

common causes of the
Cyclist-accidents:
• Ignoring the cyclist
• Misjudgment of the
cyclist's speed and
intention

5.2.9 Accidents 5.2.10 Front to rear 5.2.11 Motorcycle accidents
in the night accidents
Probable causes of Rear-end collisions When the Common causes of

accidents in the dark: driver drives his vehicle too accidents involving
close to the vehicle in front, four-wheel vehicles and
• Misjudging the speed which couses a danger to Motorcycles are:
and intention the driver and road users.
• Not seeing the
• Driving too fast These incidents are common motorcycle because
inside the city and usually it is smaller and
• Not considering the happened because of often approaches at
limited ability to see in suddenly stop of some unexpected speeds
the dark vehicles such as taxis or
because the driver did not • Neglecting to watch out
leave a safety distance. for motorcycles creating
their own lane between
Rear-end collisions are lines of other vehicles
most common inside the
city limits and amongst
taxi drivers.

5.3 The impact of the intersection collisions
Junctions can be laid out in many different ways. Some designs support the passage of many
vehicles, while others are more focused on safety. The design of the traffic junctions is always
a compromise between mobility and safety.
1. Ordinary junction without 2. Junction with traffic lights 3. Roundabouts

yield or stop sign
The rules are that you Traffic lights provide full A properly designed
should give way to vehicles information as to who should roundabout is the safest
coming from the left. In drive and who should stop. type of junction.
conditions of heavy traffic,
a busy junction can be very How it works: How it works:
difficult to get through. • Drivers should know who • The roundabout should
goes first. have a sharp entrance
How it works: • Just because they have a to reduce speed before
• All traffic must green light does not mean entering and exiting.
slow down. that drivers should speed • Fewer accidents occur
• Vehicles from the left through a junction. at roundabouts and the
go first. There are fewer accidents ones that do are often
at this type of junction in not severe.
Since speed is not a factor, comparison with uncontrolled • Sideswipe accidents
the outcome of this type junctions, but the accidents tend to cause
of accident tends not to that happen are often very few injuries.
be too severe. severe because of the high
speeds involved.
Head-on or side collisions

at high speed cause
serious injuries.
When the traffic lights are
not working it is very difficult
to drive through this kind of
junction as the drivers are
confused about who has
priority. Extreme care must be
taken and extreme courtesy
must be exercised.

5.3 The impact of intersection design on collisions
4. Pedestrian crossing have to climb up and

down on the curbstones
Pedestrian crossings are
designed to help pedestrians • The drivers will feel
to cross the road and to that they enter the
direct them not to cross pedestrians’ area and
elsewhere on the road, will be more obliged to
where it may be unsafe. give way.
How it works: 5. The risk of being

involved in an accident
• A pedestrian crossing
can be very unsafe. The Most of us underestimate
pedestrian gets a feeling the risk of being injured or
of safety when using the killed in a road accident.
crossing and will be less Speed is always the main
careful when crossing factor for injuries and
fatalities. Reducing speed Why should someone else
• Reducing the speed will not eliminate accidents be injured or die because of
at pedestrian but will greatly reduce the a decision you made?
crossings gives severity of an accident. slow down
several advantages.
If you drive fast, you not
• Cars must slow down only increase your risk of
before entering the being injured or killed, but
pedestrian crossing. you increase the risk for
everyone else involved.
• Pedestrian will prefer
using the pedestrian
crossing as they don’t

5.4 Camels and other animals on the road
Remember
• When you see the camel

warning sign, always
watch the sides of the
Animals are a constant Lack of attention, high road and slow down.
hazard in rural areas. Most speed: the causes of
of the main highways have accidents involving animals • Keep your field of vision
been fenced off to prevent are many and varied. A broad and maintain a
camels from wandering camel can easily rush out steady, slow pace.
onto the highways and onto the road and collide
causing accidents, with an unwary driver. • To avoid a collision, stay
especially at night. behind a camel that has
Dawn and dusk are the wandered onto the road.
However, in some rural times when animals are the
areas camels still manage least visible and most likely
to stray onto the road. It is to stray onto the road. Even
a courtesy to other drivers if there is a protective fence Probable causes of
to warn them of livestock or barrier along the side of accidents involving animals
on the road by using your the road, camels may still are as follows:
hazard lights; this is one find their way through a
of the few acceptable gap. Where the fence ends,
uses of hazard lights in a there is a real danger of • The driver was
moving vehicle. livestock finding their way driving too fast.
onto the road.
When you see camels, • The driver’s range
sheep, goats or cows on Small animals on the road of observation was
the road, slow down right can cause severe accidents, too narrow.
away to a crawling speed since drivers often overreact
and then slowly resume and slam on the brakes in • The driver neglected a
moving forward. Animals a panic. To avoid injuring warning sign.
have no sense of the danger yourself or other road users,
they present or of the risk it may occasionally be • The driver did not know
of being hit by a moving necessary to run over and when he/she could
vehicle, so be patient kill a small animal. expect to find animals
and negotiate the hazard on the road.
carefully and safely.

5.5 How to avoid critical situations
Here are some ways of reducing the chances of finding yourself in a critical situation:
• Always maintain lights on vehicles

good vision to the directly in front of you • Keep to your lane,
front and all around and on vehicles even except when
your vehicle. further ahead. overtaking, and do
not weave from
• Be alert and ready • Keep an eye lane to lane.
to respond to the out for people
unexpected. crossing the road • On long journeys, take
at official crossing a break every now
• Be secure in your places and when and then to get out
mind by wearing your driving by schools, and stretch your legs.
seat belt. shopping areas
and other public • Do not look at maps
• Regularly check gathering areas. or eat food while
your rear view and driving. Stop at a lay-
wing mirrors. • Maintain the proper by and continue later.
distance from the
• Look out for braking vehicle in front of you.
Many drivers do not approach driving as a serious exercise, as one that could result in
someone getting gravely injured or even killed due to a lapse of concentration or a failure of
driving technique.
It takes only a fraction of a second for things to start going wrong.

5.6 Towards an accident-free traffic environment
An almost accident-free traffic accidents and reducing What should you do if your
traffic environment is our risk by exercising better road vehicle breakdown?
vision for traffic safety behavior, the most important
on Abu Dhabi’s roads, an component of all. Move the vehicle out of the
environment where nobody way so that it is not a source
gets killed or seriously For Abu Dhabi and the of danger to other vehicles.
injured in a traffic accident. UAE to succeed, to create
a safe traffic environment Turn on hazard light to warn
We can no longer accept any thereby an accident- the other road users.
the fact that people are free environment,
being punished every year all three of these Take out all passengers
by death or lifelong suffering components are needed. from the vehicle and stop
as a result of a simple at a sufficient distance
mistake on the road. If one is missing, the from the road and prefer to
system will fail. stand behind the barriers of
Since everyone makes a protection on the road
mistake at some time or
another, it will be impossible • Better road If the area is dark, turn on
to completely eliminate behavior.Driving the parking lights
traffic accidents. However, education will
it should be possible to give you driving Call 999 for Road Service
minimize the consequences knowledge and Patrol.
of a collision through safer improve your
roads, safer vehicles and driving skills.
better road behavior.
• Safer roads
Meantime, we can make a
major impact in preventing • Safer vehicles

5.7 What to do in the event of a traffic accident
5.7.1 Dealing with accidents
Many people have been or will, you can reduce the chances If you are involved
at some stage, be involved in of being involved in an in an accident, what
a traffic accident or incident. It accident by driving defensively. should you do?
happens suddenly and just as Accidents, unfortunately, are
suddenly it is over. always possible, even with the
greatest care. Warn other traffic by:
Although we would love
to believe it only happens You might come upon the
to other people, many scene of an accident. It could • Switching on hazard
experienced drivers happen that you are the first warning lights or
has helped swelling the to arrive there. Now, the safety other lights
accident statistics. of both the existing casualties
and other road users might be • Displaying
Quite often the accident is in your hands. an advance
blamed on a combination of warning triangle
high speed and poor visibility, You never know how many
although in actual fact it accidents victims on UAE roads • Have someone else
would often be closer to the could have been saved by their warn and direct
truth simply to note that the fellow road users by giving other drivers
driver or drivers involved were them first aid, but perhaps it
incapable of controlling their could've been as many as a
vehicles in the circumstances quarter of all victims. If you Remember, further collisions
that gave rise to the accident. are certified to provide first- may happen. Let's say you
aid assistance, be prepared have been involved in a
As seen in earlier sections, to do so as it could save minor accident and do not
someone’s life. appear to be injured:

Call emergency services, • 998 is the number to be suffering from shock, and
and give full details of the call for an ambulance. may in fact be unaware of
location and casualties. their injuries. This includes
Location details are marked • 999 is the number to you. If in doubt, get checked
on yellow signs located at call if you need to get in out at the hospital.
regular intervals on the hard touch with the police.
shoulder. Always check Leaving the scene of an
these before you make • 997 is the number to accident without providing
your call to be able tell the call for the fire brigade. your name and telephone
emergency services exactly number is a serious
where you are. Give whatever help you can offence, which may lead to
to others involved. Persons disqualification from driving
who seem to be unhurt may and a prison term.
• If you are involved in an accident, ensure moving the vehicle involved in an accident
outside the road to avoid representing a danger or obstruction to other traffic. Tracks
on the road, or anything, which may help the authorities with their inquiry, must not
be erased or modified in any way you. You must ensure that they remain intact until
the police take over.
• If you damage a traffic sign, road marking, traffic light or any device designed
to help control the traffic, you must immediately do all you can to restore it to a
satisfactory state. If this is impossible, you must first warn other road users of the
damage and then notify the police and the authority that put up and is responsible for
maintaining the sign.
• If you run into a parked car, try to get in touch with the owner. If you cannot, leave a
message indicating your name and telephone number, and then notify the police.
• Note any witnesses and make sure they do not go before you get their names and
addresses. Make a note of the numbers of any vehicles whose occupants might have
witnessed the accident.
• Coming upon the scene of an accident. If you are not one of the first to arrive at the
scene of an accident and enough people have already stopped to give assistance,
you should drive past carefully and not become distracted by the accident.
• If the accident is on the other side of a motorway, do not slow down to look. You may
cause another accident on your side of the road, or, at the very least, additional and
unnecessary traffic congestion.
Always remember to give way to emergency vehicles. Watch

out for their flashing lights and listen for their warning sirens.

5.7 What to do in the event of a traffic accident
5.7.2 Fire
Carrying a suitable fire extinguisher in your vehicle may help And remember, fire can
you to put out a small fire. If the fire appears to be a serious spread through a vehicle
one do not try to tackle it. Get well clear of the vehicle and with alarming speed.
leave it to the fire brigade. If you suspect a fire in the engine
compartment, get all passengers out safely.
Dealing with those involved
Casualties should under no Casualties should be taken though the situation may
circumstances be moved to hospital in an ambulance; be totally confusing, try to
unless they could be run they should be moved as remain as calm as possible.
over by other vehicles on little as possible. The panic
the road or if there is a risk associated with accidents When an ambulance arrives,
of fire or explosion. And do is often extremely stressful. give the crew as many
not remove a motorcyclist’s If possible, one person facts as you can, but no
helmet unless it is should take charge of assumptions, diagnoses, etc
essential to do so. obtaining assistance and
alerting other road users to
the accident by setting out
triangular hazard signs. Even

If you are not sure about the 1 What are the leading causes of road traffic accidents?
2 What is the main reason 3 What are the main 4 What are the main
behind single vehicle reasons for crossroads reasons for head-on
accidents? accidents? collisions?
5 What are the main 6 What are the causes of 7 What are the main causes
causes of overtaking pedestrian accidents? of cyclist accidents?
accidents?
8 How do you avoid a 9 What is needed to 10 What should you do in

critical situation? achieve a safe driving the event of a road traffic
environment? accident?

Chapter Six
DRIVING BEHAVIOUR
AND ROAD COURTESY
6.1 Emotional maturity
Why do we not allow anyone many young drivers are amount of information, and
to take a driving test until insufficiently mature. yet we take it for granted
they are 18? that things will work out
Let us take a look at as they should, even in a
The answer is, of course, what this means. complicated traffic situation.
that people 18 and over are
assumed to be sufficiently Good driving requires But it takes only a small
mature to drive in a safe, experience and a good deal mistake for everything to go
responsible manner. of skill. The senses must be wrong, just a little too much
Unfortunately, this is often able to record a huge variety pressure on the accelerator
very far from the reality. of impressions all at once, and the driver’s capacity is
which the brain must quickly overreached - and he/she
Young, inexperienced drivers process and translate makes a mistake.
are involved in far more road into decisions. The driver
accidents than their older, must be able to put him or Many young drivers have
more practised colleagues. herself in the place of other had less opportunity to
road users, and must think learn their limits and so they
Why is this? The answer ahead, be resourceful and commit more driving errors
is almost certainly that demonstrate foresight. than more experienced
novice drivers have drivers. In addition, young
insufficient experience In fact, it is hard to people generally find it
to fully understand the comprehend how the brain more difficult to rectify
traffic environment; and can process such a vast their mistakes.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy 109

6.1.1 Developing a moral code of conduct
not afraid to ‘step aside’ subconscious and are likely

in traffic, to help make to lead him before long
things easier for his or her into some very dangerous
fellow road users, to feel a situation. There are
sense of community with situations of such peril that
other drivers and to show he may even find himself
consideration for other at that frontier from which
drivers and pedestrians. there is no return, where
Knowing the letter of the law advice and information can
is not enough; what matters no longer be given.
is its spirit. This is called the
community stage.
As infants, all humans Unfortunately, however, 6.1.3 Role models

display egoism. Most many people have not got Since a young driver’s
children think primarily of past the ego stage, letting it outlook and behaviour are
themselves and pay little rule their driving behaviour. to a large extent fashioned
attention to the desires This represents the stage by the ideals of youth, it
and needs of others. This when the child used to play is essential that young
is known as the ego stage in the sandpit and steal drivers also understand
of development. his or her best friend’s the basics of acceptable
bucket and spade without a social behaviour, and in
As the child grows up, moment’s hesitation! particular the concepts of
egoism gives way to an responsibility, tolerance, and
understanding that for consideration for others.
human society to function 6.1.2 Immaturity
properly there must be a set Immaturity helps boost the Many of today’s values are
of rules. The child accepts accident statistics. It makes questionable, to say the
and tries to abide by these accidents more frequent and least. Advertising, films and
rules as best it can. This is often more severe. comic strips, deceptive and
called the rule stage. distortive as they often are,
An immature young male have made it difficult for
Later, with increased driver who wants to many people to distinguish
experience, it is possible demonstrate his ‘authority’ between the realities of
to reach an even higher or ‘superiority’ sees his car everyday life and the exciting
level: a level characterised as a kind of instrument with world of fantasy, fiction
by an increased respect vast resources of power that and role models. Sadly,
for and understanding of will enhance his personality, for many young people
other people, by generosity make him tougher and the hero always wins.
and tolerance, by a humble more independent. And once young people
awareness that human believe themselves to be
abilities are limited. Although he does not invulnerable, they tend to
consciously think such disregard the risks they run
The driver who has reached thoughts, they exist, in traffic, risks that in reality
this level of awareness is nevertheless, in his are very dangerous indeed.
110 Driving behaviour and road courtesy

6.1.4 Responsibility 6.1.5 Identity
(weak identity)
Over the last few decades, The long road towards

the pace has quickened and establishing one's identity
the overall traffic climate has passes through an
grown tougher. Where will experimental phase in which
we be in twenty years’ time if the young person likes to
things keep on like this? test exactly how far he
or she can go.
In other words, whether
accidents will be more or At this age, it is important to
less frequent than today establish who you are, what
depends to a large extent on you stand for, what you
whether the drivers of the want and what you can do.
future will be able to show
Hand in hand with maturity respect and consideration Unfortunately, out on the
goes a responsible attitude for other people, while road this often seems to
towards others, which we abiding by the rules of take the form of wanting to
can attain by learning from the road and learning to see what the car can ‘do’
experience and bearing accept the consequences of as well, whether it can take
in mind that other road their own actions. that sharp bend at eighty,
users beside ourselves can whether it can be pulled
sometimes make mistakes. The development of a code out of a skid or whether it
of moral conduct and a can be made to knock a
In today’s society we enjoy sense of responsibility few minutes off the time
any number of rights; but over a number of distinctly it takes to get from one
we have many obligations recognisable stages place to another.
as well, and if society is appears to be a feature
to function properly as common to all human
a whole, each individual beings. Unfortunately, for
must maintain a sense of whatever reasons, not
responsibility and show everyone seems to reach
respect for other people. the same level.
How well would the traffic
flow if everyone drove A safe driver is not irritated
according to their own by other people’s mistakes;
rules and without regard for he adapts to them.
other road users?
Clearly, the more

consideration we show
for others, the smoother
and more steadily the
traffic will flow.

6.1.6 Adapting to reality (deficient reality)
Many drivers are apparently a small child, but it is not

not very mature, such as what we would expect of
the young man who thinks an 18-year-old.
he is a star of the Formula
1 racing circuit and roars Could it be that the ‘bold’
along the highways or the young driver is uncertain of
Corniche, passing everyone his true identity? That his
else as closely as he can self-image is perhaps not
and taking terrifying risks. quite in line with his real
Not very mature behaviour! being? Perhaps he admires
He needs to grow up. a Formula 1 racing driver
and even thinks that he is a
The inability to distinguish racer; but if he tries to act
between the worlds of as a racer, he is playing a
The ability to predict how a make-believe and reality part he cannot handle and,
given situation will develop in the ordinary situations to make matters worse, he
demands experience, much of everyday life – such is playing it on the public
practice and – let’s face as driving along a busy highway, on the Corniche
it – maturity. road – may be normal in instead of on the racetrack.
6.1.7 Poor Self-control
Another important aspect Aggressiveness makes

of maturity is self-control. you a bad driver, not only
Children who lose their because it impairs your
temper display their irritation ability to assess the traffic
and rage in an uncontrolled environment but because
manner. They scream, they it leads you to make
kick, they lash out at people unconsidered decisions. And
and objects that get in their aggressive behaviour creates
way.An uncontrolled display conflict with other drivers.
of aggressive behaviour
such as this could have A characteristic of a good
disastrous results out on the driver is the ability to remain
road. In traffic, therefore, it is alert and concentrated over
vital not to let your irritation a long period.
get out of hand, even though
you may be quite justified Daydreaming, on the other
in considering someone hand, is a bad habit, one
else’s driving style to be that causes your attention
totally at fault. to wander from the all-
important task of driving.

6.1.8 Know yourself 6.1.9 The difference between experienced and
and know your inexperienced drivers
driving skill
In a survey, young people with

driving licences were asked
to give a frank assessment of
their driving skills in terms of
their reactions, their ability to
counter an unexpected skid,
how they would manage an
emergency situation, and so
on (self-knowledge).
How well do young male

and female drivers seem to
know themselves?
The survey showed that: There is a clear difference Experienced drivers normally
Young male drivers who had between the experienced and maintain better control of
held a driving licence for the inexperienced driver. their vehicles in a crisis, e.g.
between one and three if they suddenly have to avoid
years considered Experienced and/or seasoned an unexpected obstacle. Their
themselves to be better drivers scan their surroundings, speed is more constant, they
-than-average drivers. both more extensively and accelerate less frequently,
more systematically than and they seldom find
It is very likely that young their novice colleagues. For themselves having to apply
male drivers overestimate example, the experienced driver the brakes in a panic.
their driving abilities to does not scan a right hand
a considerable degree, a curve in exactly the same way Inexperienced and/or young
notion backed by the fact a left hand one. Inexperienced drivers tend to look off to
that a disproportionately or young drivers, on the other the right of their vehicles,
high number of accidents hand, tend to treat bends in the suggesting that they are not
involve young men. Their road as if they were all more or quite sure of their position
driving skills are simply less the same. on the road. What is more,
not adequate for the speed they take longer to react in
at which they like to drive, Exactly why this should be dangerous situations.
and their opinion of their unclear, although it seems that
skills is not in keeping the more experienced drivers Studies show that young
with the tragedy of the instinctively realise that a and inexperienced drivers
accident statistics. left-hand bend is inherently generally drive faster
more dangerous. Experienced and less smoothly than
The survey also showed that: drivers also recognise more those who have acquired
Young female drivers potential hazards in moving more experience, and
believed themselves to be traffic, whereas young they also have a greater
mediocre or below- and inexperienced drivers tendency to exert their
average drivers. tend to regard the traffic competitive instincts.
environment as static.

6.1.10 Elderly drivers
Elderly drivers, who have function tend to bring about This means that unlike
often accumulated many a corresponding weakness inexperienced or/and
years of experience and are in performance. young drivers, who tend
often critical of their own to overestimate their own
performance, are mostly abilities, the elderly drivers
courteous and considerate, Elderly drivers must adapt are seldom involved in
since they like to take it their driving to their own single-vehicle accidents.
easy on the road. physical abilities and the
state of the traffic to a far
They are usually no more greater extent than younger
dangerous in traffic than drivers. If possible, they
most other road users. should avoid driving at night
and in heavy traffic.
However, as a person grows
older, changes in physical

6.2 Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour
6.2.1 Impulsiveness 6.2.2 Excuses 6.2.3 Repression
(Blaming others)
The impulsive personality, Some people experience a In day-to-day life – and

which acts first, thinks later, strong urge to blame others frequently in traffic – it
is almost always out of place for their own mistakes and happens that we try to push
in traffic. Impulsiveness deny any responsibility unpleasant thoughts to the
is often synonymous with for what has happened. side. However, the ability
foolhardiness, which, Instead, they make excuses. to perceive and experience
besides being alarming to And they almost always reality as it actually is, rather
other road users, may cause find themselves in conflict than distorting or repressing
the driver to lose control with those whom they have the facts, may be of vital
of his vehicle. irritated by making the importance. Some drivers
excuses in the first place. always seem prepared
This sort of behaviour is to keep on going without
typical of children. In traffic, What is worse, however, is slowing down, even though
however, impulsiveness is that they also stand a strong they are driving in darkness
merely dangerous. chance of acquiring some with poor visibility. Others
very bad driving habits. risk overtaking, although
Since such people invariably they know the distance they
throw the blame on others, can see is far too short.
they feel no compulsion
to admit they were wrong Are they unaware of the
and hence see no reason to danger? Or have they just
modify their own behaviour. decided to take a chance?
In the long term, this
attitude may prove very
dangerous, since it prevents
the novice from developing Deep down inside, of course,
as a driver and makes it they are perfectly aware of
much more difficult to learn the risks, even though other
from experience. things, like getting home in
time for the big match, seem
To become a good driver, it more important at the time.
is essential to acknowledge
your own mistakes and This is known as repression
recognise that out on the and is something most
road there is always drivers experience every
plenty of room for now and then. For some
self-improvement. it occurs often, and since
it reduces the driver’s
awareness of danger and
increases tendency to take
risks, the accident rate goes
up accordingly.

6.2.4 Reaction formation 6.2.5 Prestige 6.2.6 Self-assertion
– doing the opposite
of how you feel
Whereas in western culture Everybody wants to be

the ideal personality is ‘somebody’, and almost all
often portrayed as dynamic, of us want to be appreciated
enterprising, independent by other people. Sometimes,
and self-assured, most however, this need for
young people are in many appreciation, which is
respects quite insecure. perfectly normal in itself,
gives way to a naive, much
They may be shy, for exaggerated pride in one’s
example, or afraid of doing own prowess. An immature
something unwise. It is male motorist, for instance,
quite possible to harbour may find himself compelled
two apparently conflicting Many people have a strong to demonstrate to his or
desires at once: on one desire to assert themselves. her passengers that as
hand to appear boldly The reasons may vary; a driver he is a man of
confident, and on the other sometimes it may simply be exceptional competence.
to suffer from an instinctive a matter of prestige, in which
shyness and a deep feeling the underlying motive is a Another aspect of such self-
of insecurity. feeling of superiority over assertion is the tendency
How does the human ego try other drivers and the notion to insist that you are right
to resolve this conflict? that other road users should at all costs. The easier it
make way for them. is to trigger this behaviour,
It frequently happens the stronger the need
that one instinct is for self-assertion that is
exaggerated at the expense being expressed.
of the other, as a result, the
insecurity is manifested But no matter who is in
instead in a display of the right, ‘taking up the
aggressive rudeness. challenge’ and ‘demanding
an eye for an eye’ merely
Similarly, the inherently increases your likelihood of
timid often attempt to causing an accident.
show how bold they are.
Many accidents have been
caused by this psychological
defensive mechanism,
which is known as
reaction formation.

6.2.7 Jumping the queue 6.2.8 Reinforcing bad habits
(Probability conditioning)
Few things are more Unfortunately, learning In other words, you tend to
irritating to a driver who is does not always have the adapt your driving habits
waiting in a queue, either desired effect. to the expected frequency
for signals to change or that a given event can be
at a priority junction, than Sometimes, in spite of all expected to occur.
another driver appearing your efforts, bad habits
to the left or right and become the rule. This form of learning, which
selfishly pushing through is known as probability
gaps to reach the head of Why is it that so many drivers conditioning, is insidious; it
the queue, without care do not slow down at junctions? invades your subconscious
for the inconvenience, mind without your knowing
not to mention danger, Do they not know that driving and can lead you to develop
caused to others. through a junction without bad – even dangerous –
slowing down is dangerous? driving habits.
Not only is this a breach
of the Traffic Law, it is The answer is that if you You might, for example, have
a potential cause of regularly pass through a ‘learned’ that high speeds are
accidents and a bad certain junction in your not particularly dangerous.
example to other drivers. neighbourhood and seldom, Actually, you have driven
It also points to a careless, if ever, meet another car, pretty fast on numerous
aggressive personality that there is a strong risk that occasions and have never
lacks consideration for you will become careless. been involved in even a minor
other road users. Instead of keeping alert, you incident. But the fact is that
speed through the junction, high speeds are dangerous.
Do not jump the queue. It is convinced that ‘other cars Speed means risk, and risk
only a matter of a few hardly ever come this way leads to accidents. Speed
seconds before you will be anyway’, and in doing so you cracks skulls, breaks bones
on your way again. take a much greater risk than and kills – and you may
you would otherwise do – with never get more than one
the predictable result that opportunity to find out about
when a car does come, you it in practice!
don’t stand a chance.

6.2.9 Learning by imitation
of some of the bad habits

you see around you.
Admittedly, there are times

when it will not seem
practical or realistic to drive
the way you were taught
at driving school, or even
to abide by the spirit and
letter of the law. In a fast-
moving, aggressive traffic
environment, for example, it
may be almost impossible to
keep within the speed limit.
Our advice here is simple:

demand respect from other
drivers, drive as you have
been taught, and keep
reminding yourself that no
one can ever force you to
adopt bad driving habits.
Learning by imitation is undesirable – habits which
another psychological you have perhaps acquired
phenomenon that has by subconsciously imitating To sum up
relevance to driving. your father or brother and
which, though perfectly
Its effects may be either acceptable to you, must • It would seem,
positive or negative. now be thoroughly revised. therefore, that we
An understanding of this humans are driven
If, for example, you make a subconscious learning by a number of
conscious effort to imitate process will help you different, sometimes
your driving instructor, establish a healthy dialogue contradictory,
driving as smoothly and with your driving instructor. mechanisms.
safely as you can, you can People with too
expect some encouraging A more serious consequence many mechanisms
results. If, on the other of learning by imitation may are sometimes
hand, you merely copy set in once you have passed described as being
other people’s behaviour your driving test and are no overly defensive, and
without stopping to think, longer taking lessons. There it is these people,
you are likely to start making are many bad driving styles unfortunately, who
bad mistakes. to be seen out on the road, help boost the
and there is a strong risk accident statistics.
You may have to face that you will forget or ignore
the fact that some of what you learned from your
your driving habits are driving instructor in favour

6.3 The will to learn and the need to learn
6.3.1 Superficial learning 6.3.2 In-depth learning
Many different traffic

situations must be directly
experienced and discussed
and analysed with your
teacher before you can gain
any real understanding
of the cooperation that is
required of all road users.
Only then will you have

any chance of permanently
retaining what you have
learnt. This process is
known as in-depth learning.
So, it is not enough just to

learn the traffic rules by
heart. They must also reflect
on the various problems that
you and other drivers may
encounter out on the road.
We learn throughout our For some people, it is not Once you start learning
lives. There are many ways unusual to believe that they in depth, you will soon
of learning, and the learning can drive without really understand why it is so
process may manifest itself having received any proper important to accumulate
in many different ways. training. Some people as much knowledge as you
have an unrealistically possibly can.
However, all learning high opinion of their own
requires a positive attitude abilities, an attitude that What you are actually
and an awareness of may prove disastrous learning is not just how to
just what it is that needs both for themselves and get your driving licence,
to be learnt. other road users. but how to understand the
traffic mechanism as a
The belief that traffic skills whole and, ultimately, how
can be mastered simply to stay alive and protect the
by knowledge of the rules lives of others.
and regulations and the
ability to manoeuvre a car
suggests a very superficial
understanding of the
difficulties that may be
encountered on the road. If
you want to become a good
driver, superficial learning
is not enough.

6.3 The will to learn and 6.4 Focus on driving
the need to learn
6.3.3 Overlearning 6.4.1 Avoiding distractions
All learning, whatever the

subject matter, requires
repetition. Overlearning
means practising new skills
over and over, beyond the
point of mastery, until they
become automatic. The
importance of driver training
cannot be overemphasised.
Each skill must be practised
over and over again until
driving a car becomes
second nature.
However, even though

you may have benefited
from excellent training at
a driving school and have
passed your test, you should
still regard yourself as a
beginner when you head
out into traffic, one who Keeping your eyes on the have, the harder it is to get
will need to acquire a great road and watching out for out of trouble.
deal of practical experience other road users, most
before you can consider people will agree, is Besides keeping both hands
yourself as reasonably basically what driving on the wheel, it is absolutely
safe on the road. is all about. essential to keep your eyes
on the road and your mind
The accident statistics Adding to this, all the traffic on the traffic. Emotional
involving novice young signs, road markings and problems clamouring for
drivers make depressing signposts you have to keep your attention, talking on
readings, and it is of your track of, not to mention your mobile phone, smoking,
responsibility to help the traffic hazards, both changing CDs, none of these
improve them. Several expected and unexpected, distractions are going to
surveys have shown that that you will probably have boost traffic safety.
driving habits change with to deal with.
increasing experience
and many seasoned and Trying to do two things
experienced drivers have at once can be very risky,
found that the best way of especially for young,
avoiding accidents is to take inexperienced drivers. This
it easy on the road. is not only because it is
quite easy to lose control of
your car, but also because
the less experience you

6.4.2 Stress
When the demands of the Of course, no two people Everyone, especially young,
situation begin to exceed react to stress in the same inexperienced drivers,
the ability of the driver, the way. What causes stress in should avoid exposing
result is stress. Khaled will not necessarily themselves to excessive
cause stress in Mohammed. levels of stress. A certain
Stress converts mental Some people produce their tolerance to stress can
energy into anxiety and best performance under be built up in due course
irrational reactions. low stress, others at much through practical driving
higher levels. While some experience and a process of
In other words, rather people can withstand a great active learning.
than focusing all available deal of stress, others give up
energy on trying to resolve a almost immediately. It should be noted, however,
complex traffic problem, the that not all stress is
driver under stress gradually Sometimes stress may even negative; a certain degree of
loses the ability to focus on cause a blackout, or mental stress can markedly
the driving goal, which is to short circuit. improve your performance.
get from A to B safely.
Everyone, especially young, inexperienced

drivers, should avoid exposing themselves to
excessive levels of stress.

6.5 Group pressure
6.5.1 Negative impact
This phenomenon is known

as group pressure and refers
to the force which pushes a
person to modify his or her
views or opinions in order
to fall in with the wishes
of others. In other words,
the driver attaches greater
importance to the opinions of
his or her passengers than to
his or her own judgment.
Group pressure is not,

however, always negative.
Will you be able to withstand it is important to note your Indeed, it may be all for the
the pressure when the own reactions. good. If the values of the
group starts demanding group are essentially sound
high speeds, rubber burning, • Has the way I drive been and expressed in a firm
Formula-1 acceleration and affected by the presence of yet respectful manner, an
terrifying overtaking? my friends? individual who is in danger
of ‘going astray’ may be
When we are with other • Am I trying to impress persuaded to mend his
people, we sometimes find them? or her ways.
ourselves behaving quite out
of character. We do things • Is their presence making Naturally, this applies both
we normally would not even me nervous? to the driver and to his or
think of doing, at least not of her passengers.
our own free will. Somehow, • Am I afraid of making a
other people and other fool of myself by doing Some people who have a
people’s views seem to exert a something wrong? stronger will and greater
powerful influence on our own ability to assert themselves
behaviour, so if you are out The influence of a group of are better equipped to
driving with a bunch of friends other people can be highly withstand any negative
you could find yourself under undesirable and make a driver demands by the group.
much more pressure than if do things he or she would
you were alone. As a driver, normally never dream of doing.
The influence of a group of other people

can be highly undesirable and make a driver
do things he or she would normally never
dream of doing.

6.6 Factors with adverse effects
6.6.1 Stages of fatigue and tiredness 6.6.2 Illness and medicines
Studies show that fatigue Fresh air or exercise can You must be medically fit
(or tiredness) is responsible help for a short time, but will to drive. Some medicines
for a lot of motorway deaths. not be effective for a long should not be taken if you
Although it is implicated less time. The most effective way intend to drive.
frequently in other types of to counteract sleepiness is
accident, it is nevertheless to take a short nap. If you are feeling tired, ill or
a prominent factor to take unwell, do not drive. Even a
into account. Your concentration will cold can make it unsafe for
benefit greatly if you plan you to drive.
The most common reason regular stops for rest
for tiredness when driving and refreshment. This is If you find you are losing
is possibly the combination especially important at concentration or not feeling
of physical exertion and night. After all, however late well, drop your speed
monotony. Driving a car for you are going to be, it is and give yourself more
a long period does, after all, never worth risking your life. time to react.
demand some work from
your muscles. At the same The first hint that you are Check any medicines
time, driving along a busy, getting tired is usually a you are taking to see if
noisy road will tire both your feeling of disconnection they affect your ability
eyes and ears. and a certain slowness to drive. Even medicines
of thought. Next up, your for coughs and fever can
Do not drive for too long reactions slow down. Soon make you drowsy.
without taking a break. you find yourself stifling a
yawn. Fatigue is creeping up Read the information
Stop as soon as it is safe on you, in stages. contained inside the
and legal to do so. If you packet or consult your
are tired, pull over at a safe Before you know it, the urge doctor or pharmacist.
place to rest and refresh to sleep has become And be sure to follow any
yourself. If it is not possible irresistible and recommendations given.
to stop immediately, open a cannot be overcome!
window to let in fresh air.

6.3 Factors with adverse effects
6.6.3 Alcohol 6.6.4 Illegal drugs
ourselves to the central

visual field, this is perfectly
true. What they do not notice
is the gradual deterioration
of their peripheral vision.
After all, you remain
unaware of what you cannot
perceive, until it is too late!
How long do the effects of

alcohol last?
If you are at a party or bar

and have quite a lot to drink,
If you drink, do not drive! say 25-centilitres of spirit, Driving when you are under
If you drive, do not drink! or the equivalent of 6 pints the influence of illegal drugs
of beer, it will not be until is an offence. The effects
Alcohol will reduce your 12-15 hours after you have are unpredictable, but can
ability to drive safely. You stopped drinking that your be even more serious than
must be aware that to body will be entirely alcohol those of alcohol and may
drive with alcohol in your free. This means that if the result in a fatal or serious
bloodstream is extremely party stops after midnight, road accident.
dangerous, and carries you might still be under the
severe penalties if you are influence and unfit to drive We hardly need comment
caught driving or attempting the following morning. on the effect of drugs in a
to drive while under driver’s performance.
the influence. There is only one thing to do
in a situation like this: do not
Under the law, any driver of a try to drive at all that day, or,
motor vehicle found to have if you have to, do not drink
a blood-alcohol content will the night before! Finally
lose their licence and be if you already drink you
fined and/or sent to prison. can use a taxi
Physical coordination Is it possible to hasten the

reactions are hampered process of elimination?
by very small amounts of
alcohol. Remember that No, and only around 2
a pint of beer contains as centilitres of 40% spirit
much alcohol as 6 centilitres can be eliminated in an
of 40% spirit. hour, although you should
remember that this is an
Most people would claim average figure and it may
that their eyesight is not apply exactly to you.
unaffected by a few drinks.
And indeed, if we confine

6.7 Distractions while driving
6.7.1 Important things to consider
When you drive you must give your full attention to the traffic and what is happening around
you. Any distraction can be dangerous, and there will be many competing for your attention:
• Mobile phones, SMS • Friends / passengers • Driving a different vehicle
• Radio, music player • Eating and driving • Looking at things

outside the road
• Children in the car • Finding the right road
• Smoking when driving
Mobile phones
Almost everybody has a Holding a mobile phone A hands-free accessory

mobile phone. We use them with one hand and driving to the phone will make
to talk to others and to send with the other is of calling somewhat less risky,
SMS messages. Some people course not safe. though still not advisable.
even use their phones to Under the Federal Law, you
receive and send e-mails or Trying to dial a number on are not allowed to use a
to play games. It has become the phone while driving is mobile phone while driving
an essential facet of our very dangerous indeed. unless you are using a
daily life to be constantly hands-free set.
connected and accessible.

6.7 Distractions while driving 6.8 Traffic offences
and penalties
When you are driving a Children in the car Examples of penalties
vehicle and chatting to a
passenger or passengers Small children do not Like other road users,
in the car with you, you will understand that you have owners and drivers of motor
automatically adjust the to concentrate on the traffic vehicles can be punished for
conversation to the current and will try to get your traffic violations and ordered
traffic situation. If you attention even when you are to pay fines, compensation
stop talking while sorting not able to help. If possible, or be sentenced to prison.
out a traffic problem, your have someone with you
passenger(s) will see what who can be responsible for Violations of the basic
is happening and keep quiet. small children while you rules are penalised by
But when you are having drive. Never let children sanctions and include
a phone conversation and move around in the vehicle. such offences as:
suddenly stop talking, the They should be seated, well
person you are talking to will secured in the special seats
be confused. Talking on a made for them. • Breaking the
mobile phone while driving speed limit
is not at all the same as Passengers
talking to a passenger. • Driving through a red
Passengers traveling with traffic light
You should never read you should respect that
a text message while you need to concentrate on • Having defective
driving; typing one is even the road and traffic. Do not foot brakes
more dangerous. allow them to intrude on
your concentration when • Defective
If you get a call on your you are driving. exhaust system
mobile phone, don’t answer
it. Wait until you can stop Eating, drinking, smoking • Failure to wear a
safely and then call back. seat belt
Eating, drinking or smoking
Radio / music player, GPS will also distract you from • Crossing a
focusing on the road. prohibitory line
Radios, GPS devices, Stop and take a break
music players and other rather than let them divide • Disregarding a No
equipment in the vehicle your attention. Overtaking sign
can also distract you.
Never try to set up or make • Stopping in a No
complicated adjustments Stopping area
to any equipment in the
vehicle while driving. Stop • Parking on a marked
and make the necessary bus stop or in a
adjustments safely. space reserved for
disabled persons.

If you are not sure about the 1 Why can’t you take your driving test until you are 18?
2 What is the ego stage of 3 Define the rule stage? 4 How does immaturity
development? help boosting the
accident statistics?
5 What are the main 6 Do certain personality 7 What is the reaction

differences between traits cause conflicts formation?
experienced and more often than others
inexperienced drivers? do?
8 Define impulsiveness 9 What is learning by 10 What should you do if you

imitation? feel tired while driving?

Chapter Seven
THE BASICS- GETTING
TO KNOW YOUR CAR
7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance
7.1.1 The driver's manual
Most car owners ignore the The driver’s manual will

If you want to keep your driver’s manual and simply give you advice and
car in good order and expect the car to take care of instructions on how to:
safe to drive, it helps to itself, or expect technicians
know something about to take care of it. To keep
how it works. your car safe, comfortable • Read the informations
and environmentally sound, on the Instrument Panel
The main components you will need to have it
of a car are: the body serviced at regular intervals. • Adjust the heating and
(the outer shell), the If it is new, or nearly new, ventilation
chassis, (the supporting the manufacturer may insist
structure of the car), that you have it serviced • Locate the fuses
the engine (motor), the and checked by a mechanic
transmission system regularly as a condition of • Check your tyre size
(for changing speed), the the guarantee. and pressure
steering system, brakes,
wheels (the tyres and So, to start with, you should • Change wheels
rims) along with other study the guarantee, the
essential and non- service log and the driver’s • Carry out service and
essential parts. manual. Moreover, do not maintenance
forget that unless you
follow the manufacturer’s • Select the correct type
recommendations, you may of fuel - most cars run
end up in paying a large bill on petrol, diesel or gas.
for repairs.

7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance
7.1.2 Listen to your car
There is a lot that you can In terms of seeing, there is Maybe with good awareness
tell about your car if you pay the instrument panel on the and some tinkering under
attention to it: to get to know dashboard, the condition the hood could be helpful,
your car better, listen, look, of the tyres and fluid levels there is a limit to how much
smell and feel it. under the hood. You can a non-mechanic can do.
also feel vibration in the car Some of the things you can
If you hear noise emanating as a shock or a jerk when do yourself, some of the
from the brakes or the you are shifting gears, you things you do not want to
engine while it is idling, it is may feel it when you are risk and some you should
an indication that there is a traveling at high speeds not touch at all.
serious problem. or you may feel a vibration
in the steering wheel
when you brake.
132 THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.1 The Engine
The engine
The engine, the powerhouse of the vehicle, is usually mounted at the front and runs on petrol,
diesel or gas. Most passenger cars run on petrol. Although other types of fuel do exist, most are
still in the experimental stage and are not in common use.

7.2.2 The lubrication system
Lubrication is crucial to the smooth running of the engine.

Oil has four key functions in an engine:
• Lubrication: The the heat generated the combustion-

engine oil coats by the combustion chamber. Thus, it
the parts that rub (burning) of the fuel prevents the leaking
together or touch one in the cylinders of and loss of power.
another with a fine the engine or from
film to reduce friction friction, when parts
and prevent the parts rub together. The • Cleaning: The oil
from wearing down, oil absorbs the heat washes the sludge
as well as to prevent and radiates it to the and soot that sticks
loss of energy and outside, cooling the to the interior
ensure that the parts engine down. surfaces of the
do not seize up. engine, keeping it
clean at all times.
• Cooling: The oil • Sealing: The coating
circulates to each of oil seals the • Check the oil with the
portion of the gap between the dipstick and top it up
engine where the cylinder-wall and if necessary.
temperature rises pistons to prevent
when the engine the compressed air/ • Change the oil and oil
is running. This fuel mixture and the filter as instructed in
temperature rise pressure generated the driver’s manual.
comes either from from escaping from
Skipping scheduled services could turn out to be expensive in

the long run, especially as far as the engine is concerned.
Regular changes of the engine oil are essential in the hot

climates of the Middle East, even though special oils have
been developed to operate efficiently in hot atmospheric
temperatures.

7.2.3 The cooling system
The purpose of the cooling proper coolant flow through drive-belt, change the
system is to cool the engine the cooling system. If the fuse of the electric
and keep it at the correct belt is loose or broken, it cooling fan or top up
operating temperature. A cannot maintain the proper with hot water. And
coolant liquid of ethylene- speed, thus resulting in poor remember that filling a
glycol and water also coolant flow and ultimately, hot radiator with cold
helps preventing rust engine overheating. water can easily crack
inside the engine. the cylinder block.
What to do if your
As the engine can quickly engine overheats? On a hot day, make sure the
overheat if there is “recirculated air” function
insufficient coolant, it is wise • Stop the car and switch of the air conditioner (A/C)
to check the temperature off the engine or leave it or climate control is turned
gauge on the dashboard in idling according to the on. Instead of hot air being
every now and then. An condition. sucked in from outside,
engine running at the which then has to be cooled
correct temperature will also • Wait until the down, the air inside the
save on fuel. temperature has gone vehicle will be recirculated.
down to about 90°C.
A fuse controls the electric Turn off the air conditioner
cooling fan but if it fails, it • Be extremely careful (A/C) or climate control
may cause the engine to when undoing the when driving up a steep hill
overheat. Whenever this radiator cap! If the water to prevent the motor from
happens, stop immediately is boiling, you could be overheating and to get some
and check for the fault. A badly burned. extra power to climb the hill.
belt is often the driving link
that turns the water pump • To remedy the fault: The driver’s manual will give
at the correct speed for Check and adjust the you advice and instructions.

7.2.4 The fuel system
Modern engines do not For many years, lead There are three grades of
have a Carburetor to mix compounds were added to unleaded gasoline, “E Plus”
air and fuel in order to run petrol in order to improve Red 91 Octane, “Special”
the engine; instead the fuel engine performance. This Green 95 Octane and
is sprayed directly into the was called increasing the “Super” Blue 98 Octane are
cylinders. This system is octane rating. These days, sold in the UAE. All cars can
called the electronic fuel lead is no longer added to run on the “Special” Green
injection system. fuel after it was found that unleaded 95 Octane, but
vehicle exhaust emissions some high performance
When you fill up with containing lead and other cars may require the higher
fuel, try not to breathe in pollutants posed a threat “Super” Blue unleaded 98
the fumes, because they to human health and have Octane. Octane numbers
can cause cancer. Wash long-term harmful effects on are the measure of
thoroughly if you get fuel the environment. fuel indicating its anti-
on your skin. knocking performance.

7.2.5 The exhaust system
Important points to remember

about exhaust fumes
• Never run the

engine in a garage
or enclosed space
for longer than
absolutely necessary.
• At the first sign of

poisoning, provide an
adequate supply of
fresh air.
• Driving with the boot

open may cause
carbon monoxide
to be sucked into
the passenger
compartment.
The exhaust gases emitted The catalytic converter is an • Turn off the
by the engine contain carbon advanced emission control ventilation and open
monoxide, a colorless, device that uses a catalyst a window if you
odorless and poisonous to convert the harmful find yourself at a
gas. The exhaust gases compounds (carbon monoxide, standstill in a tailback
also contain many other hydrocarbons and nitrogen or crawling along in
poisonous substances that oxide) in a car exhaust into heavy traffic.
are harmful to human beings harmless compounds.
and the environment. If the • Switch off your
exhaust system is corroded or The converter deals only with engine if you have to
damaged, carbon monoxide toxic and polluting gases. wait for a long time.
and poisonous gases may start Carbon dioxide and Sulphur are
seeping into the passenger still produced and emitted from • Have the exhaust
compartment. the car’s exhaust. system checked
when you have your
To deal with the potentially Cars with catalytic converters car serviced.
lethal problem of fumes must be filled up only with
poisoning the air inside or unleaded petrol.
outside the car, the exhaust
system comes with a device, If the exhaust is producing an
called "Catalytic Converter", abnormally loud noise, this
which functions to clean may be a sign that the silencer
the gases produced by has been damaged or has
fuel combustion. developed a crack.

7.2.6 The electrical system
Components using Check if the electric

electricity are almost components have failed:
always fitted with a fuse to
prevent fire or damage to the • Check the level of liquid
electrical system. So if any in your battery and top
electrical component fails up with distilled water
completely, the first thing to if necessary. Most cars
do is checking the fuse. have maintenance free
batteries.
If the battery is low, It will be
difficult to run the engine. If • Check that the generator
your battery is so low that drive belt is properly
A generator connected to you find you can’t start, adjusted.
the engine by a drive belt you’ll need to connect up to
produces the electrical power another vehicle with jump • Check that the battery
needed to move the car. The leads. The battery of the cables are securely
electrical power produced other vehicle must be of the connected.
by the generator is stored in same voltage as yours.
the battery. If the drive belt • Check the charging
is incorrectly adjusted, the And remember that battery control lamp while you
output from the generator acid has a corrosive effect are driving.
will drop and a warning on your skin or clothes, so
lamp or an indicator on the be careful when
instrument panel will light up handling the battery!
to warn you of the fault.

To start your engine with jump leads, proceed as follows:
Useful to have
handy in the car: 1. Connect one end of of the other battery
the red jump lead to (colored black or
the positive terminal marked with an N or
• Fuses of the other car’s a (-) sign.
battery (colored red,
• Jump leads or marked with a P or 4. Connect the other
a (+) sign). end of the black
• Fan belt or lead to the cylinder
generator drive 2. Connect the other block or some other
end of the red lead to place where it will be
• Extra bulbs the positive terminal in contact with the
of the discharged negative terminal
battery. Note the of the discharged
position of the battery. Sparks may
positive terminal! otherwise detonate
the hydrogen gas
3. Connect one end of formed around
the black lead to the the battery.
negative terminal

7.2.7 Vehicle Lights
Vehicles are fitted with a should be clean and dawn to dusk, during the
series of different lights that adjusted properly at all hours of darkness. Your
serve different purposes. times. The front headlights lights, whether on full
should display a white beam or dipped, must not
Drivers communicate beam and you must use dazzle vehicles coming
with other drivers using your headlights, on full towards you or driving in
their lights, so your lights beam or dipped, from front of you.
The front of the car must be fitted with
1. Full beam headlights, correctly 4. Indicators: all cars must be fitted

adjusted. Full beams may be used with orange-yellow indicators: two
during the hours of darkness, at the front and rear and one on each
except when oncoming vehicles are side of the car.
approaching or when you are close
behind a vehicle in front of you in 5. Fog lights may be used instead of
your lane. You need not dip your dipped headlights in fog or heavy
lights for pedestrians. rain. Fog lights and dipped headlights
can be used together.
2. Dipped headlights, correctly adjusted
to avoid dazzling other drivers. Only 6. Auxiliary headlights may be used
one pair of dipped beam headlights only with the standard headlights.
may be fitted to a vehicle. However, they must only be used in
conjunction with the obligatory main
3. Parking lights: two white or yellow beam headlights and they must all
lights indicate the width of the car. switch off at the same time.

7.2.8 Rear lights
The rear of the car must be fitted with:
Rear fog lights can sometimes dazzle the driver behind

1. Tail lights, two red you and can be mistaken for stoplights. Only use the rear
fog lights in thick fog, heavy rain or other similarly difficult
2. Reversing lights, weather conditions.
(these are not always
standard), one or
two white
3. Brake lights/ Look after your lights

stoplights, two (or
three) red
• Check that the lenses are always clean.
4. Registration plate
lights, one or • Check that the lenses are not broken and are in good
two white condition. Scratches and chips cause dazzle and let
moisture in corroding the reflector.
5. Indicators, two
orange or red • Check whether the lights need adjusting.
6. Rear reflectors, • If there appears to be an electrical fault, start by

two red checking the fuses.
7. Rear fog lights, • Make sure you have a stock of spare fuses and bulbs.
(these are not always
standard), one • Check that the nozzles and wipers of the headlight
or two red washers are working properly.

7.2.9 Visual aids: The instrument panel
Visual aids help you to understand what is going on with the workings of your car are grouped
on the dashboard directly in front of the driving seat. These warning lamps/lights help you to
drive safely, monitor the performance of the engine, protect your engine and other equipment
against damage and see that everything is functioning as it should be.
For detailed information and guidance on the dashboard panel’s symbols and their
meaning, see your driver’s manual.
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12
There are many different types of warning lamps/lights that may be fitted, including:
1. Brake condition, with the electrical 8. Rear fog lamps

brake pad wear or charging system. indicator light or
low brake fluid level warning light.
warning lights. 4. Temperature gauge,
can sometimes be 9. ABS warning light,
2. Oil pressure, often a warning light. The if ABS (anti-lock
red. This shows if the temperature gauge brakes system) is not
oil is dangerously low measures the water in function.
or isn’t circulating as temperature, which
it should be. It will can tell you if the 10. Airbags or SRS
light up red as you engine is overheating. (Supplemental
turn the ignition on, Restraint System)
but goes out as the 5. Fuel gauge: You warning light, if the
engine starts. are running on low airbag system is not
fuel level. in function.
3. Ignition warning
light, usually red. 6. High-beam indicator 11. Fluid low, for
If this comes on light, usually blue. windshield wiper.
when the engine is
running, it shows if 7. Parking brake ON’, a 12. Seat belt
you have a problem warning light. warning lights.

7.2.10 The transmission system
The power generated by from the transmission system, Automatic gearboxes are
the engine is transmitted and no power is transferred becoming increasingly
through the clutch to the to the drive wheels until the common. Automatic
drive wheels. The car’s drive clutch is reengaged. gearboxes have no clutch
wheels may be the rear pedal. The gear shift occurs
wheels, the front wheels, Manual gearboxes may automatically when the
or both, as in a four-wheel comprise five or more gears, vehicle reaches a certain
drive vehicle. each of which is used for a speed. Several different
specific speed range. Get used types of automatic gearbox
A four-wheel drive car can to the sound of your engine are available today.
be a real help on a poor and it will tell you when it is
road or off-road. time to change gear. You can
both hear and feel when you
The purpose of the clutch, are in the right gear.
which is mounted between
the engine and the gearbox,
is to transmit power from the
engine to the drive wheels.
When you press down the
clutch pedal, the engine is
decoupled or disconnected

7.2.11 The brake systems
All cars have two one rear wheel are included the wheels and the vehicle
independent brake systems: in each circuit. Should one comes to a halt. Don’t forget
circuit fail, the other will to check the level of your
• The main brake acts on still be working as a back- brake fluid regularly.
all four wheels and is up. If the main brake fails
hydraulically operated. completely, you will have to Brake fluid is not consumed
call for a breakdown truck. under normal operating
• The parking brake, conditions, and a drop
or handbrake, is Do not try to drive a vehicle of several centimetres
mechanically operated. if the main brake system signals a leak. A small
has failed completely. drop, of a few millimetres
The main brake system is to one centimetre, is a sign
a dual-circuit type, which In a system that is that your brake pads are
ensures that two or three of hydraulically operated, wearing out and probably
the vehicle’s four wheels can the pressure exerted by need attention.
be braked even if one of the a special incompressible
two brake circuits should brake fluid activates brake Cars have a servo controlled
fail completely. A dual- shoes carrying a brake lining braking system, or booster
circuit braking system may or pad of friction material. system, which adds
be designed in such a way The friction slows and substantially to the pedal
that both front wheels and then stops the rotation of force exerted by the driver.

7.2 The main components and systems involved
In other words, a booster If you borrow a car, it is always wise to try out the brakes
uses a vacuum from the before you set off.
engine to multiply the force
that your foot applies to the Before test braking, make sure there is no one on the
master cylinder when you road behind you!
push on the frame pedal.
The servo controlled braking Some important points about your car’s braking system:
system works only when the
engine is running, so you
have to be very careful if • The main brake acts on all four wheels and is
you ever need to be towed. hydraulically operated.
With the engine switched off,
braking will be very difficult • The parking brake, or handbrake, is
indeed and extreme caution mechanically operated.
must be exercised.
• The brake fluid is a special formula incompressible
ABS (Anti-lock Braking liquid. Never attempt to use engine oil instead of
Systems) prevent the wheels brake fluid.
from locking and help
preserve directional stability • A drum brake is a brake that uses friction caused
and steering control even by a set of shoes that press against a rotating
if you have to slam on the drum-shaped component.
brakes in an emergency.
With ABS brakes, you can • In disc brakes, the friction set up between the
brake hard and still have pads and the disc achieves braking. Rear drum
some chance of being able brakes are often used in combination with disc
to steer yourself out of brakes in front.
trouble. A yellow light on the
dashboard comes on if the • A servo controlled braking system is a booster
ABS system breaks down. which reduces the pedal force needed for
Remember, keep a regular better effect.
eye on the dashboard to
ensure that everything • ABS, or anti-lock braking systems, prevent the
is functioning well with wheels from locking and help control the steering
your vehicle. when braking hard.
Before setting off, make

sure the brakes are acting Test braking has three main purposes:
equally on all four wheels.
1. To check that the brakes are functioning correctly
If you have unbalanced
brakes, this may send 2. To check the stopping distance of the car and the road
you into a skid if you have surface friction
to brake hard.
3. To check that the brakes pull evenly

7.2.12 The tyres
By the time the tread has

worn down to about 3
mm, the tyre has started
to lose its grip of the road.
At this point, the risk of
aquaplaning, when the car
skates out of control on a
sheet of water, increases
steeply. So, check your tread
depth with the tyre gauge.
Make a habit of checking

the air pressure in your
tyres at regular intervals.
Naturally, the air pressure

should be at least as
recommended by the
manufacturer of your
car model. Neglect of air
The tyres provide your Each tyre has a date code pressure costs money
vehicle with control, grip and embossed on its sidewall, and impairs performance.
safety on the road. so you can easily check Remember, an air pressure
the age of your tyre. The slightly below the
In this part of the world, where date format begins with the recommended level, that
the weather is extremely hot, week and the last part of the is to say under-inflated,
you may need to change tyres number represents the year. not only increases fuel
more frequently as a result For instance, the end part consumption and makes
of the friction caused by high of the date code on a tyre the car more difficult to
speed, humidity, heat and manufactured in the year handle, but also shortens
other factors. 2000 would be 00, or 02 for a the life of the tyre itself.
tyre manufactured in 2002. Slight over-inflation does
The most important issue in not damage the tyre;
the changing of tyres is the If you look closely at your indeed, it can lengthen its
age factor. A car may have tyres, there are several sets life, and even improve fuel
a lot of mileage on the clock of TWI markings, or tread consumption. Remember
and require a tyre change after wear indicators, located that the pressure given in
12 months if it has covered around the rim of the the driver’s handbook is only
around 50,000 km in the sidewall. When this raised the recommended minimum.
year. On the other hand, a car rubber tread comes to the
which hasn’t achieved 14,000 level of the rest of the rubber,
km in three years will need a then you know that your
tyre change despite the low tyres are balding and you
mileage because of the age need to go in for a change.
factor, ie the carcass of the The main tread of a new tyre
tyre has aged. is about 9 mm deep.

7.2 The main components and systems involved
7.2.13 The tyres characteristics
To achieve optimum safety,

grip, control and braking
power, it is always advisable
to adhere to the tread
pattern, size and type of tyre
that originally came with
your car, for all four wheels.
When changing tyres it is
best to change at least a
pair at a time, so that each
pair of wheels is fitted with
identical tyres.
Getting the most

from your tyres
Steel radial tyres are the Re-treaded tyres or

most commonly used tyres remoulds are not a • Wrong wheel
today. They have an internal recommended choice, alignment is the
layer of metal bracing or because heat builds up in main cause of
support which, besides the rubber due to the friction excess wear and
being more resistant to of smooth roads and normal tear on your tyres.
wear, gives far better road driving speeds. It is important to
grip. Steel radials are more routinely check
sensitive to under-inflation Some cars carry a spare your alignments
than to over-inflation. So, tyre, sometimes known as if you want longer
be especially careful not the emergency wheel. The tyre life.
to allow these tyres to maximum recommended
drop below the minimum speed for driving on an • Wheel balancing
inflation level. emergency wheel is given in is also crucial. If
the driver’s manual. When your tyres are not
Regular tyres, made of a you fit the emergency wheel, balanced, the car
synthetic rubber compound, be prepared for the car to Wobbles and, once
have a finely patterned handle in unexpected ways. again, unbalanced
tread that gives a smooth, tyres cause greater
comfortable ride in both dry Do not try to save money by wear and tear and
and wet weather. purchasing cheap tyres. shorten the life of
your tyre.
Off-road tyres have a As this can involve
generous, coarsely patterned tremendous risk. Stay with • The faster you
tread and are not suitable for the standard brands and drive, the hotter the
regular driving. tyres suited to your car. tyre will get. Tyres
wear twice as fast
at 120 km/h as they
do at 80 km/h.

7.2.14 The steering systems
Although the wheel can still

be turned, the steering is
so heavy that it would be
highly dangerous to take
the car out on the road.
Bear this in mind if you ever
need to be towed!
Driving against the curb or

into an obstacle on the road
may force the front wheels
out of alignment or cause
unnecessary wear on the
steering system. Faulty
wheel alignment results in
a tendency for the car to
pull off to one side of the
• A special high-pressure control the direction of a road and for the tyres to
fluid, automatic vehicle’s motion. wear unevenly.
transmission oil, is
used for power steering. There are two basic types of Poorly aligned wheels also
Never attempt to use steering systems: cause vibrations, which,
ordinary engine oil by subjecting the tyres
instead. • Power steering and steering to extra wear,
can lead to an undesirable
• If the steering pulls or • Manual steering. degree of play, or looseness,
snatches when you turn in the steering system.
the wheel, air or dirt has Manual steering requires Careless driving on bad
probably got into the the driver to turn the wheels roads or off-road driving can
servo system. of the vehicle using only also cause damage to the
his or her own strength. In steering gear.
• If the car has a tendency contrast, power steering
to pull off to the right uses energy from the engine If the steering feels
or left, the wheels may to amplify the torque that unusually heavy or the car
need aligning or there is applied to the steering has a tendency to drift off to
may be too little air in wheel when it is turned one side on a straight and
one of your front tyres. by the driver. This makes level road, there may be a
turning much easier and fault in the steering gear, or
The steering system forms increases the amount of one of the front tyres may
a crucial component of time the driver has to react need more air.
the driving experience to an emergency, providing a
and needs to be studied safer journey.
with care. The system is
comprised of the steering Never attempt to drive
wheel, gears, linkages and a car with a defective
other components used to power steering.

7.3 Economical driving
Economical driving saves energy, the environment and money.
Sensible driving habits and a properly maintained car can save fuel, money and our
environment. The principles of economical driving are:
• Has your car serviced at excessively high whenever possible.

at regular intervals? engine speeds (rpm).
• Drive to match the
• Make sure your tyres • While accelerating, rhythm of the traffic
are inflated to the you may sometimes around you. On roads
correct pressure; refer even skip a gear. with busy traffic,
to the driver’s manual. overtaking will not
• Use the car’s own save you much time,
• Don’t idle your engine. speed; take your foot but it will increase
off the accelerator. fuel consumption and
• When starting up, try increase the risk of a
to change to second • Do not use the brakes traffic accident.
gear as quickly as unnecessarily.
possible and then to • Before you reach an
higher gears at one- • If your car has a intersection with a
third to half-throttle. powerful engine and traffic light or if you
The throttle is the high torque, it is better see that the car in
device which controls to accelerate a little front of you is going
the flow of fuel or more rather than to turn, brake by using
power to the engine. change down to a the engine, that is to
lower gear. say by decelerating,
• Accelerate in each and approach in such
gear until the engine • Learn to drive while a way as to give the
speed reaches keeping the throttle traffic lights time
the point at which at a uniform level. A to change to green
engine torque is at suitable engine speed or to enable you to
its highest. This will is around 2,000 rpm continue driving
normally be at around and depending on without stopping
3,000 rpm. In this way, the topography of the unnecessarily.
you will not be driving road, use fifth gear

7.4 Driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer
over. Check that your roof

rack is securely fastened,
and make sure that braking,
accelerating or turning a
corner will not displace the
load. Position the load up
against the front edge of
the roof rack and secure it
in place with some material
strong enough to prevent
it from rolling, slipping or
falling out of place. If you use
a tarpaulin, remember the
effects of wind. Distribute the
You will need a light vehicle electric brake are properly load evenly, taking care not to
license in order to drive the connected. overload the rear. Check the
vehicle being towed. Some tyres and see that the lights
drivers may not be aware that • That all lights work and all are properly adjusted.
this licence is necessary when lamps, reflectors, plates,
a trailer is hitched to a vehicle etc, are clean. Make sure the load is firmly
or when driving with a heavy secured, and
load on board. • That the supporting leg check frequently!
and wheels are securely
You will find details of screwed in position. A heavy load or incorrect
permitted trailer loads in your tyre pressure can affect
driver’s manual, along with the You should never carry more your car’s performance,
maximum tow bar download passengers than allowed. particularly its ability to take
that the vehicle can pull. The driver’s view of the road corners, its acceleration
must never be obstructed by capacity, and the braking
Consult your driver's manual either load or passengers. distance. With the car fully
to determine the maximum Nor should they be allowed or heavily loaded, it will also
safe loads permitted for to prevent the driver from take longer to overtake, since
your vehicle and the proper having control of the vehicle the engine will have a heavier
distribution of that load. at all times. load to pull. Similarly, the
braking distance will increase
Before setting out, make sure: A child should never sit when driving downhill, since
on the lap of an adult in the car is pushed forward by
• That the caravan or trailer a moving car. the weight of the load.
is properly loaded.
Pay special attention to your Millions of tons of dangerous
• That the caravan or trailer driver's manual to know the goods are transported on
is correctly hitched. permitted roof load when using the roads each year. If you
any type of roof rack. Any are in any way involved
• That the emergency wire is load placed on the roof will be in an accident with a
properly connected. above the centre of gravity of vehicle displaying a hazard
the vehicle and will increase warning, extreme caution
• That the lights and the likelihood of it rolling is imperative.

7.5 Testing time: Vehicle inspection and registration
If your car fails the VIC tests,

all faults must be repaired
without delay. Until they are
fixed, your car will not be
considered roadworthy and
should not be driven. Driving
a car in a non-roadworthy
condition may impose a
hefty fine on you.
Vehicle Inspection Centres,

VICs, provides you with
number plates and a
registration certificate. All
vehicles must display a pair
of number plates, which
must be kept legible and
clearly visible. Registration
certificates must be carried
in trucks, buses, cars and
off-road vehicles.
Vehicle Inspection Centres (VICs), exist to inspect all If traveling abroad,

registered motor vehicles. Their responsibilities are: depending on the country,
you may be asked to
produce an International
• To set technical are taken off Driving License, which is
specifications and public highways. essentially a translation
safety standards. of your UAE licence
• To minimise into various foreign
• To raise quality environmental languages. Automobile
standards and help damage by bringing Clubs operating in the
ensure the safety of down the quantity UAE issue International
motorists and other of carbon monoxide Driving Licenses.
road users. emissions.
• To allow well- • To control other

maintained vehicles gas emissions that
on the roads, pollute the air.
thus promoting
public safety and • To manage the
environmental collections of fines
protection. from car owners
who are in breach of
• To ensure that the regulations.
dangerous vehicles

7.6 Motor vehicle insurance
If you do, you will not be

covered by the third party
insurance policy. This is not
only illegal, but could also
cause you some serious
financial problems if you
have an accident.
Insurance premiums vary

considerably, depending
on the insurer. The exact
amount payable will
depend on the traffic and
accident categories of
your type of vehicle, the
theft statistics associated
with that particular make
and model, your annual
mileage, the place where
you live, and any no-claims
bonus or other form of
discount to which you may
Even the most careful and the amount normally be entitled. As a rule, sport
cautious driver may be payable may be modified as cars are more expensive
involved in a road accident. circumstances demand. to insure than ordinary car
By law, the owner or driver models. Therefore, before
of the car responsible for Third party insurance going in for a particular
the accident is liable for the does not cover damage to type of car, it may be wise
cost of repairs, as well as your own vehicle or any to call some insurance
other costs related to the load you may be carrying. companies and ask about
accident. All compensation It is therefore wise to the policies they offer.
costs must also be covered, take out some form of
by the insurance policy or extra insurance. Never accept the blame
by other means. for an accident directly
Make sure to get helpful on the spot, especially in
Third party insurance is advice when arranging the presence of the police.
compulsory. Regardless of your insurance policy and Anything you say, at a
who caused the accident, read the terms carefully time when you may be in
third party insurance covers before signing it. shock, or a state of extreme
all injuries and damage confusion, may be noted and
to third parties caused by Never drive a car if used against you later.
or arising out of the use you do not have a valid
of a motor vehicle on the vehicle license.
road. It provides financial
cover for bodily injury and
damage to other people’s
property. In some cases,

If you are not sure about the 1 What is the importance of the driver’s manual?
2 What are the functions of 3 What is the purpose of 4 What should you do when
the lubrication system? the cooling system? the engine overheats?
5 What is the purpose of 6 What is the function of 7 What is the principal use
the ABS? the generator? of a car’s lights?
8 What should you do if 9 What does VIC stand for? 10 What is meant by third
the battery is low? party insurance?

Chapter Eight
SAFETY WHILE
DRIVING
8.1 Car safety
Modern cars have a high standard safety systems. If a vehicle’s safety system is used
in the way it was designed to function, the risk of fatal injuries, if an accident occurs, will
decrease dramatically
8.1.1 The car’s protective shell
Deformation zone Less protection Deformation zone
Deformation zone Less protection Deformation zone
The built-in safety system The impact of a collision on Protecting the occupants
in a modern car may involve the occupants of a modern when a car is hit from the
a number of independent car will therefore be lower side is more difficult. Some
systems. The front and back than it is, therefore, lower cars have side impact
sections of the bodywork than it would be in older protection. Nevertheless,
have deformation zones, models and big 4WD cars. injuries to the upper body
which absorb much of In older or 4WD vehicles, and head in the case of side
the force of an impact in the occupants take a higher impact collisions can be
the event of an accident, percentage of the force particularly serious.
reducing the effect on the of a collision.
driver and passengers.
Safety while driving 159

8.1 Car safety
8.1.2 How to adjust the car seat, the head restraint and how to load a car
The head restraint is

designed to reduce the risk • To protect your neck. Sit close to the backrest and
of head and neck injury head restraint.
if you run into the rear of
the car in front of you, or if • Adjust the backrest.
someone runs into you from
behind. These are known • Set the head restraint. The head restraint should
as whiplash injuries. For reach to the top of your head.
maximum protection, the
head restraint should extend • Pack properly.
upwards top of the head Never keep heavy objects loose in the car. Place
and for the tall people to your cargo as low as possible and use the seat
about the middle of the back belts to secure your cargo in the back seat.
of your head.
Protect your neck. Sit close to the backrest

and head restraint.
160 Safety while driving

8.1.3 Seat belts save lives
• The seat belt is just

as important in the
back seat as in the
front seat! A person
sitting in the front
seat could be killed
when the rear
seat passenger is
thrown forward.
• Tighten the seat belt.

When it is tightened
properly, it will give
better protection.
• Across the chest.

Keep as close
to your neck
as possible, so
long as it is still
comfortable.
Seat belts are absolutely belts. Adults are expected to Would you dare do this?
the most important piece wear their seat belts without
of safety equipment in the having to be told. • From a standing position,
car, both in the front and fall full length towards
back seats. A tight-fitting belt affords the floor. 7 km/h is the
more protection than a loose maximum force, which the
If everyone used seat belts, we one. Also, check that the arms can withstand.
could save hundreds of lives belt is not twisted. Diagonal
every year in the UAE. belts should run smoothly • Ask yourself this: would
across the shoulder and not you repeat the experiment
It is very important that constrict the throat or neck or if you were asked to do
backseat passengers the top of the arm. Lap belts the fall from a chair? The
remember to wear their seat should fit snugly over the force generated would be
belts. In an accident, rear hips rather than the stomach. equivalent to a speed of 15
seat passengers are liable to Incorrectly worn belts may km/h
be hurled forwards, injuring aggravate the injury.
not only themselves, but • Throwing yourself off
the driver and front seat Some new cars are equipped the top of a three-storey
passenger as well. with a seat belt pretensioner or building without a safety
tensioner which automatically net is equivalent to colliding
The driver has the tightens the seat belt in the with an object at 50 km/h.
responsibility of ensuring that event of a crash.
all passengers wear their seat Your seat belt is your
life insurance!

8.1 Car safety
8.1.4 Airbags (SRSs) save lives
The Airbag (SRS,

Supplementary Restraint
System) is a valuable
supplement to the seat
belt. Together with the seat
belt, the airbag gives extra
protection against injuries.
Remember, however, a child
riding in the front seat can
be seriously injured or killed
when an airbag comes
out in a crash.
An airbag is not a soft,

billowy pillow. To do its
important job, an airbag
comes out of the dashboard
faster than the blink of an
eye. A passenger must be
at least 145 cm tall and
be wearing a seat belt to
travel safely where there
is an airbag.

8.1.5 Children in the car
steering wheel and the body If it is not possible to

Sudden braking or of the driver, which will have protect the child in the
collision at 40 km/h: It a force on impact equal correct way, it is best to put
doesn’t take much force to several times his or her the child in the back seat
for a child to be injured. actual weight. with a seat belt.
Every year children are
killed or injured because Since seat belts are normally Mounting the child seat on
they were not properly designed for adults, cars the rear-seat will provide
fastened in the car. must be fitted with some high degree of protection
type of young person’s for the child. Note that the
safety seat for children to child’s size determines when
Our love for children makes travel safely. The type of it is time to switch from one
us do all sorts of things to seat provided should be type of seat to another.
keep them happy. Some changed as the child grows
of us express our love in a older. Always remember Rearward facing is best way
way that can lead to drastic that the improper mounting for child seat mounting. Up
results and sometimes fatal of the child seat is far to the age of approximately
accidents. A child sitting in more dangerous than not 4 years, it is much safer for
a driver’s lap is an example using a child seat at all. So the child to travel facing
of love based on ignorance make absolutely sure you rearwards. A rearward-facing
that could lead to the loss follow the manufacturer’s seat absorbs the violent
of the child. Placing a child instructions and are shocks and protects the
in the driver’s lap is asking securely anchored to the child’s sensitive head and
for trouble, because in case anchor post provided by the neck. The American style's
of an accident, the child manufacturer. forward-facing child seat will
will be trapped between the not give this protection.

8.1 Car safety
Under no circumstances
should a parent place an
infant seat, rear-facing car
seat, booster seat or
cushion in front of a
passenger’s airbag.
There is an extremely
high risk of severe injury
or fatality in this situation
and a child should never
be subjected to this risk.
Even if the airbag is shut
off, or there is no airbag, the
safest place for all children
of 10 years and below is in
the rear seat.
And remember a child

should never sit on the knee
of an adult in the car; the
child should never be turned
into a ‘human airbag’
The safest place for children

is in the back of the car.
UAE law requires that all

children under the age of
ten be located in the rear
seat of a car, wearing a
seat belt or secured in
a protective seat. They
should never ride in
the front seat.

Recommended Do not turn the child
around too soon
1. Infant seat, small lightweight safety seat. Up to Most experts agree that
around 9 months. This is the safest way for the children are generally safer
youngest passengers to travel. facing the rear of the vehicle.
If your convertible child
2. Rear-facing car seat. From around 9 months to safety seat has adequate
around 4 years of age. rear-facing weight limits
and height limits, you should
3. Booster seat or cushion. To be used with seat belt choose to keep your child
from around 4 years of age up to age 10-12. facing the rear, to reduce the
risk of cervical spine injury
4. American-style forward-facing child seat with a in the event of a crash.
full harness. Instead of the rear-facing car seat, a
forward-facing or American-style child seat with To protect a rear-facing
a full harness may be used. From age 1, or 10 child’s head from injury,
kgs (20-22 lbs) weight until the seat is outgrown, the top of the child’s head
usually at around 18 kg (40 lbs) weight. should be at least 1 inch
below from the top of the
child safety seat’s shell.

8.1 Car safety
8.1.6 Forgetting the children in the vehicle
Forgetting children inside According to article

the vehicle is dangerous for No. (350) of the federal
them, sometimes resulting in penal code of the United
suffocations and then death. Arab Emirates:
This is because the small Shall be sentenced to

body is heated 3 to 5 times detention or to a fine not
faster than adults body in exceeding ten thousands
the same circumstances. dirham, whoever personally
or through others exposes to
danger a child, who did not
complete seven years of age
in a crowded place.

8.2 The natural laws
8.2.1 To calculate the distance required to stop a moving car
Thinking distance Braking distance
Stopping distance
Stopping distance Thinking distance
The stopping distance is Thinking distance depends drivers can usually stop their
the distance travelled by the on two things: the speed of vehicles much more quickly
car from the moment the your vehicle and how quickly than beginner drivers.
driver sees danger ahead you react. A normal reaction
until the car comes to a time is one second. During Braking distance
complete standstill. that second, a car traveling
at 40 km/h will cover 12 Clearly, your vehicle is still
The stopping distance is meters; at 80 km/h it will moving during the braking
made up of two combined cover 24 meters and so on. time to bring it to a halt,
factors: the distance the i.e. from the moment you
car travels while the driver Beginner drivers often step on the brake until the
is reacting to the possible take longer to react due to moment you come to still.
danger, known as the lack of driving experience. This is the braking distance.
thinking distance, and the While beginner driver is still
distance the car travels hesitating in taking action,
after the driver has applied a more experienced driver
the brakes, is called the has identified the danger
braking distance. Add up and prepared to brake if
the thinking distance and necessary. In other words,
braking distances in order to since their thinking distance
know the stopping distance. is shorter, experienced
Normal reaction time is one second. Novice drivers usually take longer to react.
Speed Thinking distance (m/s)

40 km/h approx. 12 m/s (3x4)

Braking
distance depends on:
• Your speed
• The state of the road
• The gradient
• The condition of
your brakes
• The condition of your

tyres
• Your braking technique.
Because of an increase in
kinetic energy, the energy
caused by the movement
of the car, your speed
doubles from 40 to 80 km/h You can cut down braking have no option but to brake,
lengthening the braking distances and increase the aim is to brake hard
distance by a factor of four. safety margins by braking immediately, but without
Similarly, tripling your speed firmly right at the start. locking the wheels. If the
from 40 to 120 km/h would wheels do lock and the car
make the braking distance Being prepared shortens is not fitted with an ABS
nine times as long. thinking distances. Keeping system (or antilock braking
your foot poised above the system), you will then have
There are several brake pedal and being ready to reduce the brake pressure
ways to brake to react can shorten your as quickly as possible.
stopping distance.
The driver who shows Braking distance increases
foresight and slows down In an emergency, it is as the square of the
by easing off the accelerator important to brake correctly. increase in speed.
in plenty of time not only As we have seen, locking
spares the brakes but is a your wheels is to be avoided.
safer driver as well. Instead, as soon as you
Twice the speed = 4 times the braking distance (2x2)
Three times the speed = 9 times the braking distance (3x3)
Four times the speed .......... = 16 times the braking distance (4x4)

8.2 The natural laws
8.2.2 Centrifugal force: When the road bends
A moving car tends to travel far ahead as possible and to 8.2.3 The force of gravity
straight forwards even remain alert for sharp bends
though the road may curve. and sudden changes in If you have tried braking a
By turning the steering surface conditions. A patch bicycle on a steep hill, you
wheel into the curve, you of wet leaves, for instance, will know just how difficult
force the vehicle away from may be very slippery. Slow the invisible force known as
the straight line as the down as you approach a gravity can make things for
vehicle tends to move by the bend and accelerate gently you on a slope. The exact
law of nature. Therefore, if out of it. Do not drive too same force acts on cars.
you drive too fast, the grip, fast, or the grip of the tyres Sometimes a sign will warn
friction, of the tyres on the will be unable to keep the you that the road ahead
road will be insufficient to car on the road. slopes steeply downhill,
keep the car on course. so take it easy. It may be
Slow down as you approach necessary to change down
The centrifugal force sets a bend and accelerate a gear, both in automatic
up as a vehicle takes a bend gently out of it. and manual gearboxes, and
must not be so great that let the engine do the work
it causes the tyres to lose rather than risk overheating
their grip on the road. It is the brakes or losing
essential to read the road as control of your car.

8.3 More about handling different cars
8.3.1 Some vehicle characteristics
Front wheel drive Rear wheel drive 4 wheel drive
Although two cars may look very similar, the way they behave can be quite different. Before
driving a car you have not driven before, think about the following points:
• How important is the you need to make an • How does the car react
condition of the tyres emergency braking? if the shock absorbers
when handling a car condition is insufficient?
on the road? • How is the difference
between driving with • How is the car’s stability
• How well is the brake different transmissions? influenced by the load it
system working when is carrying?

8.3 More about handling different cars
Oversteer and understeer
Oversteer
A heavy weight in the rear

of a vehicle can cause
oversteer. That is to say the
car responds to the steering
more than expected and if
the car loses its grip on the
road it may go into a spin.
In some situations, a
vehicle that is normally
understeered will oversteer
if, for example, it is carrying
a heavy load.
Understeer
Understeer occurs when

traction is lost at the front
wheels while cornering,
forcing you wide on a bend
despite applying the correct
steering angle.
A car with its engine

mounted to the front
normally has a forward
weight that makes it
understeer. It tends to
continue forwards in
a straight line when
you take a bend.

If you are not sure about the 1 What are the benefits of deformation zones in modern cars?
2 How important is the 3 What is a ‘whiplash 4 Should a seat belt be

head restraint and up to injury’ and when loose or tightly fit?
which minimum height does it happen?
should it be extended?
5 What do the letters SRS 6 For the best protection, 7 What is the minimum
stand for? what should be combined height of a person sitting
with the airbag? in front of an Airbag?
8 What could happen if 9 Should seat belts be 10 Name three types of car
you drive with a child used to secure infants, seat suitable for children?
in your lap? and if not, why not?

Appendix
AVOIDING DANGER
ON THE ROAD
Perception of hazard/risk
The learning objectives for this chapter are to provide a framework through which you can
analyze the risk you face on the road. We will seek to define, understand, calculate and avoid risk.
Where does the way we perceive hazard and risk come from?
Our perceptions of hazard and risk are based on:
Personal experience of the adverse event
Social/cultural background and beliefs
Our ability to exercise control over a particular risk
The extent to which information is gained from different sources, e.g. from the media
When answering the questions below, remember:

• Don’t spend too much time thinking about the answer.
• If you are unsure, give your first preference answer
• Be honest.
In your opinion why do drivers crash?

Inadequate training Carelessness
Licensing test needs improvement Bad road design
Poor understanding of the dangers involved in driving Other
How can we improve driving on the road?

More police enforcement Better signage on the road
Better education and training Improved licensing standards
Other
When traveling by car do you wear your seat belt?

Always Never Sometimes
Some questions about driving

Is driving 15 km/h above the speed limit risky?
Yes No
Running a yellow light is:

Risky OK Not sure
If you need to stop suddenly from 60 km/h, how much distance do you need?
45 meters 25 meters 15 meters
55 meters 65 meters None of the above
Imagine you crash your car at 60 km/h. The impact on your body would be equivalent to:
Falling from 2 meters (own height) Falling from 8 meters (2nd Floor)
Falling from 12 meters (3rd Floor) Falling from 16 meters (4th Floor)

Perceiving a hazard can Hazard perception is a survival skill. Learn to:
mean the difference
between life and death. It • Scan
is the hazards you don’t • Process
see or cannot avoid that • Prioritize
cause the most deaths • Take action
and injuries.
The hazard challenge

Count the number of potential hazards you see during each slide, ie, from zero to five hazards.
How many hazards can you see?
178 AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD


180 AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD

Appendix
ROAD TRAFFIC
SIGNS
Warning signs
Warning signs are usually in the form of a red triangle pointing upwards, with a black symbol or
words on a white background (sometime a yellow background).
They are normally positioned 150 to 250 meters before the hazard of which they give warning.
In built-up areas, inside city limits, this distance may be shorter.
1. Right hand bend
2. Left hand bend

Be prepared for oncoming traffic. Adapt your speed to
local visibility, the sharpness of the bend and whether
the road is banked. Do not stop at places where
visibility is restricted.
3. Double bend, first to the Right
4. Double bend, first to the Left

If there are more than two dangerous bends ahead,
the length of the danger zone is indicated on a
supplementary sign in meters.
5. Steep downhill
Your braking distance may be longer and your speed
faster than you think. The gradient will be indicated as
a percentage.
6. Steep hill uphill

Your overtaking distance may be longer and your
engine power will be weaker. The gradient will be
indicated as a percentage.

7. Road narrows on both sides
8. Road narrows from right
9. Road narrows from left
10. Right carriageway closed
11.Dual carriageway ends
12. Diversion
Be prepared for oncoming traffic. Finish overtaking well
before the sign. Adapt your speed and position to that
of vehicles traveling in the same direction as yours.
13. Opening or swing bridge ahead

There may be a traffic light. Be prepared to stop.
186 ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS

14. Quayside or riverbank
End of your road ahead.
15. Tunnel ahead

No stopping and turn on your headlights.
16. Maximum height
17. Uneven road

Poor road-grip could cause skids. Expect braking
distance to be longer than normal. Slow down.
18. Road works ahead/ Men at work

Drive carefully. The road could be narrow and in poor
surface condition. Watch out for gravel or loose stones
and workers on the road.
19. Bridge ahead
20. Ford ahead

In the rainy season, this road is likely to be flooded.

21. Dip ahead
Finish overtaking well before the sign. Do not overtake
too close to the dip. Slow down.
22. Hump ahead

Slow down so that you do not lose control and damage
the vehicle.
23. Slippery roads

Carriageway may be slippery, even in good weather.
24. Falling rocks (or fallen rocks)

Be ready to encounter boulders on the road.
25. Loose gravel or chippings

Slow down for oncoming traffic. Keep your distance
from vehicles ahead. Do not overtake.
26. Junction ahead
27. T-Junction ahead

How well can you see the junction? Give way to
vehicles approaching from the left.

28. Give way
Signal your intentions clearly and give way when
required. The sign will be erected as close to the
junction as possible.
29. T-Junction ahead, main road turning left
30. Minor road on right
31. Minor road on left
32. Staggered junction
33. Junction left
34. Junction right

35. Traffic merging from left
36. Traffic merging from right
37. Roundabout
Give way to traffic approaching from the left. Watch out
for road signs and note the position of entrances and
exits.
38. Traffic lights ahead

Be ready to obey the traffic light signals.
39. Level crossing with barrier or gate ahead
40. Level crossing without barrier ahead

At level crossings the big danger is trains; so safety
first is the rule here. Visibility and the state of the road
are extra important. Not in use in the UAE.
41. Low flying aircraft

Expect sudden aircraft noise also. There may also be a
traffic light.

42. Strong cross winds
The windsock symbol shows the direction of the
prevailing wind. Keep alert to the state of the road and
be prepared to encounter sudden gusts of wind.
43. Electric cable
44. Accompanied horses or ponies crossing the road

ahead
45. Animal grid
46. Wild animals (camel)

Several different animal symbols are used. Slow down
and watch out for animals at the side of the road. Dawn
and dusk are the most dangerous times.
47. Cyclists on carriageway
48. Pedestrian crossing

You are approaching a pedestrian crossing. Be ready to
stop.

49. Children
Children are difficult to see and are unaccustomed to
traffic. They are unpredictable in their movements and
may suddenly change their minds.
50. Two-way traffic straight ahead

A one-way lane or carriageway becomes two-way up
ahead. Get ready to meet oncoming traffic on the road
ahead.
51. Two-way traffic crosses one-way road
52. U-turn
Warning for vehicle making U-turns from the left lane.
53. Hazard ahead (or other danger)

The exact hazard may be specified on a supplementary
sign.
54. Crossroad ahead

Prohibitive signs
Prohibitive signs are round and have a red border on a white background with a black symbol
(usually, but sometime a yellow background).
They apply from the moment you pass the sign until you reach the next crossroads, unless
otherwise indicated by local circumstances or by the sign itself. This family of signs indicates
that certain manoeuvres and vehicle types are forbidden.
Failure to obey a prohibitive sign is an offence punishable by law.
100. No motor vehicles

Applies to all vehicles traveling in either direction.
It is often qualified by a supplementary sign, e.g. no
through road. Cyclists must be led.
Pedestrians may use the carriageway even if there is a
pavement or shoulder.
101. No Entry
Applies to all vehicles that face the sign.
102. No motor vehicles

Does not apply to scheduled buses, unless indicated by
a supplementary sign.
103. No motor vehicles with more than two wheels.

In other words, two wheeled motorcycles are permitted
here but motorcycles with a sidecar are prohibited.
104. No vehicles (buses) of more than 12 seats

Except regular scheduled buses, school buses and
work buses.
105. No motorcycles

106. No motor vehicles pulling a trailer.
This prohibition may be restricted to trailers exceeding
a specified total weight.
107. No goods vehicles

A supplementary sign will indicate whether the
prohibition applies only to vehicles exceeding a
specified total weight.
108. No tractors, construction vehicles, etc.

Except as shown on a supplementary sign. These signs
are not very common.
109. No cycling
Cyclists must dismount.
110. No horse-drawn vehicles
111. No horse-riding
112. No pedestrians

113. No vehicles over width shown
114. No vehicles over height shown

Used when headroom is less than 5 meters.
115. No vehicles over gross weight shown

The gross weight is the weight of the overall load
borne by the wheels at any one time, ie the vehicle plus
contents.
116. Axle weight limit in tons
117. No vehicles or vehicle trains over gross weight

shown/or maximum load rating of road
118. Bogie weight limit in tons

A bogie comprises two axles spaced less than 2
meters apart.
119. No vehicles or vehicle trains over the length

shown

120. No vehicle carrying explosives
Vehicles carrying explosives are not permitted on this
road.
121. Minimum distances between heavy goods

vehicles
May be set up at bridges or on temporary roads.
122.
123. No parking (and no waiting)
This instruction normally applies until the next crossroads
or junction, but may be qualified by a supplementary sign.
Parking and waiting is prohibited on the side of the road on
which the sign is erected.A supplementary sign may specify
dates.
124. No stopping (and no parking or waiting)

Applies to the side of the road on which the sign is
erected. If several signs and supplementary signs
appear on one post, each supplementary sign applies
to the sign or signs immediately above it.
125. STOP and give way at a crossroads

All vehicles must stop and give way at this sign. Stop
at the line or, in the absence of a line, immediately
before the light or sign.
126. Stop for customs clearance

May be qualified by supplementary signs or notices,
e.g. ‘Does not apply to vehicles carrying duty-free
goods only’.
127. Give priority to oncoming traffic

Does not apply to two-wheeled vehicles or small
vehicles narrow enough to pass without danger.

128. No right turn
129. No left turn
130. No U-turn
Applies until the next junction or, if erected at a
crossing, at the crossing itself.
131. No overtaking
Prohibits overtaking of all motor vehicles except two-
wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar.
Overtaking is prohibited until you reach the end-of-
restriction sign
132. End of overtaking restriction
133. Overtaking by lorries prohibited

Applies to heavy goods vehicles. A supplementary sign
may specify the weight at which the prohibition takes
effect.
134. End of overtaking by lorries restriction

Applies to heavy goods vehicles. A supplementary sign may specify the
weight at which the prohibition takes effect.
Sign number 131 or 133 prohibit you from overtaking motor vehicles other
than two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar. Overtaking is
prohibited until you reach the end-of-restriction sign, number 132 or 134.

135. Maximum speed
Applies until another sign imposes a different speed
limit. Be on your guard against speed-blindness -
check your speedometer.
136. End of maximum speed restriction
137. No Horn
No horns to be sounded. This sign may be found outside a
school or hospital.
138. End of restriction

Applies to and cancels any prohibitive sign.
139. Taxi zone

The prohibition applies to vehicles or activities other
than those indicated on the sign. In this case, the zone
is restricted to taxi use.
140. Loading zone

The prohibition applies to vehicles or activities other
than those indicated on the sign. In this case, the zone
is restricted to vehicles loading.

Mandatory signs
Mandatory signs are round, with a white border on a blue background. Mandatory signs give
positive instruction rather than imposing a restriction or ban. An instruction applying to a
certain type of vehicle or manoeuvre is at the same time a ban on all other types of vehicle
and manoeuvre. In other words, these signs tell road users what to do and where to go unless
otherwise directed.
Mandatory direction signs 200 - 207
These mandatory direction signs indicated that vehicles may be driven only in the direction of
the arrow or arrows.
200. Right only
201. Left only
202. Ahead only
203. Right only
204. Left only

205. Turn right or continue straight ahead
206. Turn left or continue straight ahead
207. Turn left or right
Mandatory lane
signs 208 - 212
208. Right only

This lane sign means that a vehicle may pass only to
the right of the sign.
209. Left only

Vehicles may pass only to the left of the sign.
210. Left or Right

Vehicles may pass on either side of the sign.

211. U-turn
Vehicles may make a U-turn at this intersection or
crossroads.
212. Roundabout (Mandatory direction)
Mandatory lane
signs 213 - 220
213. Pedestrians only
214. Cycle route

Track reserved for cyclists.
215
216. Shared track for pedestrians and bicycles
This is a dual track which may be used by both cyclists
and pedestrians and is restricted to other traffic. This
sign is adapted to local conditions.
217. Riders
This sign does not prohibit pedestrians from using the track.

218. Pedestrian stairs
Stairs leading to a subway reserved for pedestrians
only.
219. Beginning of lane reserved for scheduled buses, etc.
220. End of lane reserved for scheduled buses, etc.

These lanes reserved for buses and other vehicles plying regular
routes. They may also be used by bicycles. A supplementary sign will
indicate whether the lane is open to other types of traffic, such as
taxis. This sign also prohibits vehicles that are excluded from the lane
from stopping or parking. Authorized vehicles are also prohibited from
stopping or parking in the lane .
221. Minimum speed 60 km/h
222. End of minimum speed restriction

Information signs
Information signs come in a variety of shapes and colors. These help you find and follow the
road you want, e.g. a motorway.
They can also direct you to the nearest car park, or indicate destinations, distances, how to get
to service stations, amenities or any other places of interest.
300. Beginning of motorway
301. End of motorway

Motorways have at least two carriageways, one in each direction.
to cross these roads either under underpass or overpass, and
speeds are therefore much higher than on ordinary roads. At the
end of a motorway, get ready to encounter oncoming traffic.
302. Motor vehicle only

Not in use in the UAE
303. End of Motor vehicle only

Not in use in the UAE
304. Primary road

Traffic on primary roads has priority, i.e. vehicles entering a
primary road from a minor road must give way. This sign may
be set up on primary roads after every crossing or junction.

305. End of primary road
306. One-way traffic

This sign is erected parallel to the carriageway and
indicates the direction of flow
307. No through road
308
309. Parking
310. Signpost – used on public roads
311. Humps ahead

Reduce speed, humped road surface ahead.
312. Distance sign

313. Route sign
314. Protect our natural environment
315. Mosque
316. Emergency telephones
317. Information
318. Repair shop or garage
319. Filling station

320. Police station
321. Refreshments
322. Restaurants
323. Hotels
324. Picnic areas
325. Clinic
326. Hospital

327. Hospital
328. Tourist and/or national heritage signs

These signs are brown with white letters, symbols and
border. They carry different symbols.
329
330
331. Countdown markers
Countdown markers for distance to a
roundabout: 300 metres, 200 meters and
100 meters
332. Route sign
333. Multiple route sign
334. Signpost
Indicates the distance in kilometers to a certain
destination.
335. Lane direction sign

336. Exit ahead
Indicates the distance to the exit named on the sign.
337. Exit sign

Displays the same place name as the ‘exit ahead’ sign.
338. Bypass
Bypass for heavy, high, long or broad vehicles.
339. Lane directions
340. Lanes merge ahead

Adhere to the rules about changing lanes.
341. Bus stop only

Motorists have special obligations towards
pedestrians. This pedestrian crossing sign is very
common in the rest of the world, although it is not used
in the UAE.

Supplementary signs 400 - 410
Supplementary signs are only found in combination with other signs. Their sole purpose is to
qualify the information given by the primary sign, and they will normally also be of the same color.
A supplementary sign might indicate the period during which a prohibition must be observed, the
distance remaining to a hazard up ahead, or the distance for which the sign applies.
400. Length of a stretch of road beginning at specified

distance from sign
401. Length of a stretch of road beginning

at sign
402. Distance to the information given by the warning

sign
403. Stop and give way at specified distance ahead
404. EEffective on each side of sign

The arrows may also be horizontal.
405. Ends
Used in parking areas

406. Effective in direction of the arrow
Used in parking areas.
407. Parking configurations
408. Symbol for the specified vehicle or road user

Other symbols are also used.
409. Direction sign used at curves, junctions, etc
410. Exit sign at merging point between main

carriageway and exit road.

Temporary signs
Temporary signs (500 - 530) with an orange background are set up in conjunction with road
works. Other designs and shapes can be designed from the specific need.
500. Road construction ahead
501. Detour ahead
502. Two-lane traffic ahead
503. Single lane ahead
504. Left lane closed
505. Right lane closed

506. Keep right
507. Crossing ahead
508. Left or right
509. Right hand side
510. Speed at roadwork
511. Left lane must turn left
512. Construction access

513. End construction
514. Direction
515. Road closed, local traffic only
516. Road closed
517. Direction signs

Appendix
ROAD
MARKINGS
Lines across the road 600 - 604
Give Way line
A broken white line across your lane shows that traffic on the road you want to enter has
priority. The lines show where you should stop, if necessary, to take your final look. A broken
line is normally found at the entrance to a roundabout. This tells you that traffic inside the
roundabout has priority and you must give way.
Stop line
A single continuous line across your half of the road shows where you must stop at junctions
with ‘Stop’ signs, or at junctions controlled by traffic lights.
600. Stop line

Stop lines indicate where you must stop at a road sign
or traffic light.
601. Give Way line or Yield line

The yield symbol amplifies the message conveyed by
the give way sign.

Indicated by road markings and road signs or traffic
lights.
603. Cycle track

Indicated by a cycle track line.
604. Advance warning of liability to Give Way

Indicates and warns you of a Give Way sign posted up
the road.
Road markings 217

Lines along the road 605 - 613
Double white lines
This important road marking strongly prohibits certain actions, in particular
overtaking and parking.
Overtaking
When the line nearest to you is a continuous line, you must not cross or straddle it.
If there is a broken line on your side and a continuous white line on the other, you may cross
both lines to overtake. Make sure you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid line
on your side.
Single broken lines

Watch out for places where the single broken line in the center of the road gets longer. This
shows a hazard ahead.
Arrows on the road

Arrows often warn that there is a double white line coming up. Do not begin to overtake when
you see them on your side.
605. Centerline
This broken line marks the center of the road.
On main roads, each individual marking is 3 metres
long. The distance between markings is 9 metres. In
built-up areas, the dashes marking out the centerline
may be spaced more closely together.
606. Lane lines

Broken lane lines divide the carriageway into two or
more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. In
built-up areas, the dashes marking out the lane lines
may be spaced more closely together.
607. Prohibitory line

Crossing or straddling a prohibitory line is forbidden,
even by a single wheel. Never cross this line unless
there is a broken centerline between you and the
prohibitory line.
608. Warning line

On roads that are less than 7 metres wide, warning lines are used
instead of center and prohibitory lines. They may also be used on
wider roads in built-up areas or give warning of a prohibitory line or
hazard ahead.
Crossing a warning line is prohibited unless you are certain that the
road is clear. Each individual marking is 9 metres long. The distance
between them is 3 metres.
218 Road markings

609. Double prohibitory line
These lines are normally used on carriageways with
two lanes of traffic in each direction. Where necessary,
double prohibitory lines are also used on roads with
only one lane in each direction. Crossing or straddling
a double prohibitory line is always prohibited.
610. Direction line

Indicates how vehicles should turn and how to be able
to keep your lane and to better position your vehicle
through intersections and roundabouts.
611. Edge line

The edge of the road is usually marked with a broken
line. Crossing a broken edge line is permitted wherever
you may temporarily need to drive onto the shoulder,
e.g. to help another vehicle overtake.Edge lines are
normally white but sometime can be yellow.
612. Continuous edge line

Used on motorways where driving on the shoulder is
considered unsuitable. Motor vehicles should therefore never
straddle or cross a continuous edge line.
Continuous edge lines are normally white but sometime can be
yellow.
613. Restricted area

Crossing or straddling a restricted area is prohibited.
The smaller of such areas are painted solid white.
Road markings 219

Combination of lines along the road 614 - 616
614. Centreline and prohibitory line

This combination of lines indicates that visibility is
restricted.
615. Warning line and centerline

You may cross the lines only if you can see the road is
clear and you know you can cross in safety.
616. Warning line and prohibitory line

This combination of lines gives warning of a prohibitory line
or a hazard up ahead.
Reflective studs or cat's eyes
617. Reflective studs or Cat’s eyes

These are white reflective studs, popularly known as cat’s eyes, spaced in a
row between lanes, lane lines or as a center-of-road line.
There are flashing amber cat’s eyes to warn drivers that they are approaching
a pedestrian crossing.
At road works, cat’s eyes may be used to help identify the lanes that are in
operation
220 Road markings

Lanes for specific types of vehicle 618 - 619
Only buses may use the bus lane during the times of operation shown on the sign. Outside of
those periods all vehicles may use the bus lane. Where there are no times shown, the bus lane
is in operation 24 hours a day. Do not park or drive on a bus lane when it is in operation.
Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. If a broken line marks the cycle
lane, do not drive or park in it unless this is unavoidable.
618. Reserved lane line

Used to separate lanes reserved for scheduled vehicles.
619. Cycle lane line

This line separates cycle tracks from other lanes. Cyclists
must use cycle tracks, if provided.
In some cases, cyclists are protected from other traffic by a

prohibitory line (607).
Words on the road, road numbers and destination markings
620. Text
Text may sometimes be used to amplify the message
conveyed by a line, usually with a clear meaning such as
STOP, SLOW, KEEP CLEAR or U-TURN ONLY.
Sometimes lanes have destination markings or road numbers

on the road surface. These enable drivers to get into the
correct lane early.
Road markings 221

Lane arrows 621 - 625
Lane arrows tell you which lane to take for the direction you want, and are placed well before a
junction to help you get into the correct lane in good time.
Where the road is wide enough, you may find one arrow pointing in each direction, left in the left
hand lane, straight ahead in the center lane and right in the right-hand lane. Some arrows might
be combined depending on how busy the junction is. If the road is only wide enough for two
lanes arrows might have two directions combined.
621, 622, 623, 624, and 625 Lane arrows

This series of arrows indicate the lane you must or
should take. If prohibitory lines border the lane, you
must follow the direction indicated by the arrow(s).
The arrow otherwise serves to suggest an appropriate
choice of route.
626. Lane change markings

Lane change markings warn you to get in lane in time and to
watch out for traffic merging with your lane up ahead.
Speed reduction lines
627. Speed reduction lines
Raised yellow lines may be painted across the carriageway as speed

reducers. The purpose of these yellow lines is to make drivers aware of their
speed after a period of driving at higher speeds.
Reduce your speed in good time.
They are sometime painted at the approach to roundabouts or speed

humps, on the hard shoulder, or when entering a village or approaching a
particular hazard. Reduce your speed in good time.
222 Road markings

Temporary road markings
628. Temporary road markings, yellow reflective studs or cat’s eyes
May be used to help identify the lanes in operation at road works.
Orange or yellow road marking colors are being used. Temporary

road markings have precedence over ordinary road markings. They
serve as lane lines and prohibitory lines and are used to mark the
edge of the carriageway in conjunction with road works, etc.
Parking related road markings
629. Parking spaces

Marked with continuous or broken white lines. All four wheels
of parked cars must be within the lines.
630. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons

Only persons holding special permits may park in spaces
marked this way.
631. Parking prohibited

Indicated by a broken yellow curbside line. Used at bus stops
and on curbstones at junctions.
632
633. No stopping or parking
This prohibition is sometimes used with a continuous yellow
line and may appear at certain bus stops. (632) may be
combined with a zigzag line or yellow cross lines marked on
the carriageway. This marking may also be used instead of
a broken curbside line to indicate that parking is prohibited.
(633)
Road markings 223

Box junctions
634. Box junctions
Yellow crisscross lines mark a box junction. Their purpose is to keep

the junction clear by preventing traffic from stopping in the path of
crossing traffic.
You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear. But
you can enter the box when you want to turn left end you are only
prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.
If there is a vehicle already on the junction waiting to turn left, you are
free to enter behind it and wait to turn left providing that you will not
block any oncoming traffic wanting to turn left.
If there are a number of vehicles waiting to turn, it is unlikely you will

be able to proceed before the traffic signals change, so you should
wait for the next clear opportunity before entering the box.
224 Road markings

All rights reserved to Emirates Driving Company and subject to copyright protection and copyright
law in the UAE.
This book have a print permit No.: MC-03-01-2577223

Road markings 227
600 588880
228 Road markings edcabudhabi www.edcad.ae

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Light Vehicle

1.1 Traffic Rules 013

2.1 Inside the city limits 036

OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 051

3.1 Outside city limits 052

4.1 Driving in sunshine and hot weather 074

CRITICAL SITUATIONS 089

5.1 What is the main cause of traffic accidents? 091

6.1 Emotional maturity 109

7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance  131

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING  157

8.1 Car safety 159

AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD 175

ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS 183

ROAD MARKINGS 215

To guide road users towards Rules, road Before obtaining your

REGULATING THE ROADS 013

The purpose of road Road traffic signs are

014 REGULATING THE ROADS

Warning signs, Regulatory signs, Supplementary signs,

Prohibitive signs, Direction signs, Temporary signs,

You will find them illustrated

REGULATING THE ROADS 015

Road markings are used to Road markings appear as

As a general rule, the

016 REGULATING THE ROADS

REGULATING THE ROADS 017

018 REGULATING THE ROADS

1. A car may start to

REGULATING THE ROADS 019

This is known as the Main Road

This is known as the turning rule.

020 REGULATING THE ROADS

In the event of a traffic jam, obstructing a crossroads or In cities or countries with

1.5.7 The Zipper principle

Where two roads meet like jam,etc., and is acceptable

This situation is very

REGULATING THE ROADS 021

Since emergency vehicles, Slow down and pull over to Remember:

022 REGULATING THE ROADS

Traffic involves interaction

So how do we interact with

• We open doors for

• We don’t jump the queue

REGULATING THE ROADS 023

1. Signal given by a 2. Traffic light 3. Traffic sign 4. Rules of the road

Rules of the Road

024 REGULATING THE ROADS

Signals given by policemen:

Beckoning a vehicle from the side Slow down

All Vehicles must stop Vehicles approaching from behind and

If a police car behind you starts alternately flashing the

REGULATING THE ROADS 025

• At uncontrolled • This is known as the • To oncoming traffic

026 REGULATING THE ROADS

Sometimes If you are about to stop on You must signal to other

Giving a signal does not release you from

REGULATING THE ROADS 027

028 REGULATING THE ROADS

REGULATING THE ROADS 029

2. Steady green light means GO.

If there is no traffic sign, typical traffic rules apply.

Other types of light signals:

5. Alternately flashing red lights at a fire station, etc. mean Stop.

1.1 Traffic Rules 013

2.1 Inside the city limits 036

OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 051

3.1 Outside city limits 052

4.1 Driving in sunshine and hot weather 074

CRITICAL SITUATIONS 089

5.1 What is the main cause of traffic accidents? 091

6.1 Emotional maturity 109

7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance 131

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING 157

8.1 Car safety 159

AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD 175

ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS 183

ROAD MARKINGS 215