Top Driving Tips


While we try to customize the tips we give to the hazards in the county the best place to start for driving tips and regulations in of course the Highway Code.

Country driving


If you're used to driving in busy cities and towns you may think that a trip to the Cumbrian countryside is the perfect opportunity to put your foot down.

Many city drivers assume that if they can cope with urban congestion they can deal with any road situation. But country roads are often more difficult and dangerous to drive on: blind corners, high hedges, slippery surfaces, farm vehicles, livestock, wild animals, pedestrians in the road - all are there to catch out the unwary and complacent.

Country lanes are narrow and usually not wide enough for more than one car. Look for passing places to pull into if a vehicle is coming towards you or a driver behind wants to overtake. Please do not park in a passing place.

Remember that Cumbria has a large wildlife population including badger, deer and hares as well as rabbits and game birds such as pheasants that believe they have as much right to the road as you do!

Don't drive too close to farm vehicles. Give plenty of room if overtaking.


Driving In Bad Weather


Employers and employees must put safety before punctuality during bad weather.

  • Allow ten minutes extra to prepare the car.

  • Clear all windows of snow or ice using a scraper and de-icer.

  • Don't drive off until you have good all-round vision.

  • Use water-repellent spray on door locks and then oil them.

  • Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock. Don't breathe on the lock - it will just freeze.

  • Hand-brake cables can freeze but leaving the hand-brake off can be dangerous. Leave it to thaw or call out a garage.


While it is always a good idea to allow extra time in winter for your journey, drivers must accept the inevitability of being late for work if they are caught up in an unexpected delay.


Winter Driving


Snow and Ice
Stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow, so gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in heavy snow.

  • Wear comfortable, dry shoes - Cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals.

  • Select second gear when pulling away - Ease your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

  • Try to maintain a constant speed - Choose the most suitable gear in advance to avoid having to change down while climbing a hill.

  • When driving downhill, choose third or fourth gear to prevent skidding.

  • Always apply brakes gently - Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

  • If you get stuck - Straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.



Advice On Road Rage


Avoid conflict on the road
Share the road safely. Give yourself time and space to react to others - and their mistakes.

  • Keep calm, show restraint. Every car journey brings a risk of frustration and conflict. Before you set off, be determined not to succumb to it, or to let 'liberty-takers' get to you.

  • They're not out to get you! Most aggravating moves by other drivers are unintentional. We all make mistakes. Don't show your frustration by making gestures: they may mean nothing to you but could be the last straw for others.

  • Don't compete or retaliate. If someone's driving annoys you, don't try to 'educate' them. Leave traffic policing to the police and driving instruction to professionals.

  • Be patient in traffic. Don't push into traffic queues. If you wait and clearly signal what you want to do, other drivers will usually let you in: they don't like being forced to do so.

  • Set an example to others. Give way at busy junctions or where traffic lanes merge: it won't delay your journey by much. Wherever there's merging traffic, follow the rule 'Let one in and go.'

  • Say thanks. Courtesy encourages cooperative, safe use of the road.

  • Say sorry. Apologising to the other driver when you make a mistake reduces confrontation and helps to defuse anger.



Violent motoring-related incidents
So-called 'road rage' - are rare. But it is important to know what to do if you feel threatened by another driver:

  • Try not to react. Avoid making eye contact, which may be seen as confrontational.

  • Don't respond by accelerating, braking or swerving suddenly. The other driver may think that you are looking for an argument, and you could lose control of the car.

  • If you think you are being followed try to drive to a busy public place, or a police station, before you stop. If you're on a motorway, mingle with other vehicles. Don't leave the motorway for unfamiliar roads.

  • Keep the car doors and boot locked. Also keep the windows and sunroof only partly open in urban areas.

  • Physical threats - Stay in your car and lock the doors. If you have one, call for help on your mobile phone, and use the car's horn and lights to attract attention.

  • Never carry any kind of defensive weapon. It could simply provoke a potential assailant.


Other Hints & Tips



Avoid Fatigue and Tiredness
Stress and fatigue reduce your concentration and tolerance levels and increase your risk of having an accident. You are also more likely to get frustrated with the behaviour of other motorists.

  • Plan your route in advance: motorists waste more than 100 million gallons of fuel a year - not to mention time - trying to find their way.

  • Consciously decide before getting into the car that you're going to leave your problems outside, and determine that, whatever happens on the journey, you won't let it get to you. The right mind-set can make all the difference.

  • Get comfortable. Adjust seat, mirrors, seatbelt and head restraint correctly.

  • Vehicles that perform badly or break down add to stress: keep your car well maintained and serviced.

  • Be cool. Driving should be enjoyable, not competitive.



Long journeys and business driving

  • Leave plenty of time to reach your destination.

  • Take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two or three hours of driving.

  • Eat a light meal before you set off on a long journey: heavy meals can make you lethargic.

  • Arrange work appointments realistically, with plenty of time to travel between offices.

  • If a meeting some distance away is scheduled for early morning, drive there the night before and stay over.

  • Employers can help to ease stress among staff who travel by adjusting their demands and deadlines to take account of the delays and fatigue caused by traffic congestion.

  • If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway.

  • The most effective ways of countering sleepiness are to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes) or to drink something that contains caffeine. Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may help for a short time, but are not as effective.



Much of this advice is given on the AA web site and we acknowledge any copyright.