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Braking Technique In days gone by drivers were told to pump the brakes in an emergency. A more effective technique with the modern vehicle is three-stage braking. Stage 1 is to quickly but gently take the free-play out of the pedal. Stage 2 is to feed in pressure progressively. Stage 3 is to ease off pressure just prior to stopping. The benefits of three-stage braking are that there is less chance of "locking up" and it can be used every time you use the brakes not just in emergencies.
Avoid lane changing crashes As most good drivers know all vehicles have a "blind-spots" where the mirror doesn't pick up, and the only way to safely change lanes is to have a "head-check" before you start steering. The only problem is that not all drivers have a blind-spot check, so it is a good idea not to drive in other vehicle's blind spots in multi-lane traffic. Simply keep behind the line of their back bumper bar or in front of the driver.
Strategies to Reduce Fatigue If you are going on a long trip don't fill up before hand; start with your petrol tank half full. This will prevent the temptation of driving for 400km before your first stop. Before you leave drink 2 glasses of water, and try to drink at least a litre of water every 2 hours. Dehydration is a real problem when driving in air-conditioned vehicles.
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