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Road safety

Practical reminders for four-wheeler drivers, motorcycle and scooter riders, and people on foot. Choose the section for your journey.

34 remindersUpdated:

For car, jeep and pickup drivers

Prepare your vehicle, protect your passengers and leave room for others.

  1. Buckle up in every seat

    Check that everyone, including rear-seat passengers, wears their seat belt before moving. Keep it fastened throughout the trip.

  2. Use a suitable child seat

    Choose a child seat for the child's size and fit it using the seat and vehicle instructions. Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.

  3. Check the vehicle before leaving

    Check tyres, brakes, lights and wipers. Clear the windows, adjust mirrors and head restraints, and investigate warning lights before continuing.

  4. Secure luggage and respect capacity

    Secure loose and heavy items, keep your view clear, and stay within the vehicle's seating and load limits.

  5. Start rested and stay sober

    Do not drive after drinking or when drowsy. Plan breaks; stop somewhere safe if sleepy. Check whether medicine affects your driving.

  6. Set navigation before you move

    Put your phone away and set your route while parked. Stop safely before changing it or making a call; hands-free calls can distract too.

  7. Check beyond the mirrors

    Check mirrors and blind spots before moving or changing lanes, then signal. Look especially for motorcycles and bicycles beside the car.

  8. Leave room to stop

    Follow posted limits and slow further for bends, schools and people crossing. Leave a stopping gap; increase it in rain or poor visibility.

  9. Wait for a clear overtaking opportunity

    Overtake only where permitted, with a clear view and room to return. Avoid bends, junctions and crossings; do not follow another overtaking vehicle blindly.

  10. Control speed before a descent

    Select an appropriate lower gear before a long descent. For automatics and EVs, follow the handbook's downhill guidance. Do not coast in neutral or with the clutch held down.

  11. Adjust to rain and poor visibility

    Slow down, increase the gap and use dipped headlights when visibility falls. Check weather and road notices before leaving; postpone travel when conditions are unsafe.

  12. Keep night driving considerate

    Use lights that let you see without dazzling others. Dip high beams for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle; slow down if glare limits your view.

  13. Reverse slowly and look all around

    Check for children, people and obstacles before reversing. Keep checking all around as you move; get help if your view is blocked.

  14. Park safely and check before opening doors

    Choose a permitted space without blocking crossings or footpaths. Apply the parking brake, check for passing riders before opening doors, and let passengers out on the safe roadside.

For motorcycle and scooter riders

Protect yourself, stay visible and make every move predictable.

  1. Fasten your helmet every time

    Both rider and passenger should wear a properly fitting helmet with the strap secured. Keep the visor clean.

  2. Dress for protection

    Wear gloves, sturdy footwear and protective clothing. Secure loose clothing so it cannot catch in the wheels.

  3. Check your motorcycle or scooter

    Check tyres, brakes, lights and indicators before leaving. Adjust the mirrors and fix faults before riding.

  4. Keep your documents ready

    Carry your valid driving license and vehicle registration book. Check that the documents are current before a trip.

  5. Leave space and ride smoothly

    Keep a safe following gap and follow speed limits. Slow before bends and slippery patches; avoid abrupt braking or acceleration.

  6. Keep your path predictable

    Stay in your lane and avoid weaving between vehicles. Leave room around buses and trucks, especially when they turn.

  7. Look, signal, then move

    Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Signal early and make sure there is room to move.

  8. Overtake only with a clear view

    Overtake only where allowed, with space to return safely. Do not overtake at blind bends, junctions or pedestrian crossings.

  9. Respect crossings and traffic signals

    Follow signs, lights and traffic police directions. Slow near crossings and give pedestrians time to cross safely.

  10. Ride rested, sober and focused

    Do not ride after drinking or when sleepy. Keep your phone away; stop somewhere safe before using it.

  11. Be visible in rain and at night

    Use suitable lights without dazzling others. Reflective clothing helps at night; slow down and leave more space in rain.

  12. Stay patient with other road users

    Avoid racing, aggressive riding and unnecessary horn use. Give others room instead of forcing your way through.

For pedestrians

Choose a safe path, take time to cross and stay aware of traffic.

  1. Use the footpath

    Use a footpath where available. Otherwise, walk near the edge facing oncoming traffic, with extra care on narrow roads.

  2. Choose a clear crossing point

    Use a nearby crossing or footbridge. Elsewhere, choose a clear view in both directions, away from bends and parked vehicles.

  3. Stop, look and listen

    Check both directions and wait for enough time to cross. Walk straight across while watching traffic; do not run.

  4. Check that traffic has stopped

    Follow pedestrian signals and police directions. Even at a crossing, check every lane and watch for turning vehicles.

  5. Keep your attention on the road

    Put your phone away before crossing. Keep your hearing clear enough to notice approaching traffic.

  6. Keep children on the safer side

    Hold young children's hands and walk between them and traffic. Keep them close while waiting and crossing.

  7. Help drivers see you at night

    Wear or carry something reflective after dark. Choose well-lit paths and crossing points when possible.

  8. Give moving vehicles space

    Watch driveways and reversing vehicles. Avoid stepping out from behind a bus or truck where drivers cannot see you.