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Driving defensively
Smart driving is both an attitude and a skill. A sharp
mind and shrewd decision making can go a long way
toward protecting your safety and the safety of
others — not to mention increasing fuel efficiency.
Defensive driving allows you to anticipate hazards and
maintain a constant speed. When you drive defensively,
you conserve your momentum — which means you
don’t have to continually build up lost speed. Power not
used is fuel not burned. Here are some helpful tactics:
•Don’t let frustration push you into making unsafe
passes or other manoeuvres.
•Look ahead and anticipate stops. It’s more efficient to coast to a stop than to brake.
•Maintain a safe following distance of four seconds.
•Be aware of your blind spots and check them regularly.
•Be aware of your own physical and mental condition
including the effects of alcohol and drugs, age,
attitude, illness, fatigue, emotion and diet.
Safe stopping
Keep a safe following distance so you can always brake
safely and efficiently. Driving at 70 km/h requires a
stopping distance of about 90 m (300 ft.).
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Professional Driver’s Manual