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.
Buckle up in every seat
Check that everyone, including rear-seat passengers, wears their seat belt before moving. Keep it fastened throughout the trip.
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.
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.
Secure luggage and respect capacity
Secure loose and heavy items, keep your view clear, and stay within the vehicle's seating and load limits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fasten your helmet every time
Both rider and passenger should wear a properly fitting helmet with the strap secured. Keep the visor clean.
Dress for protection
Wear gloves, sturdy footwear and protective clothing. Secure loose clothing so it cannot catch in the wheels.
Check your motorcycle or scooter
Check tyres, brakes, lights and indicators before leaving. Adjust the mirrors and fix faults before riding.
Keep your documents ready
Carry your valid driving license and vehicle registration book. Check that the documents are current before a trip.
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.
Keep your path predictable
Stay in your lane and avoid weaving between vehicles. Leave room around buses and trucks, especially when they turn.
Look, signal, then move
Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Signal early and make sure there is room to move.
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.
Respect crossings and traffic signals
Follow signs, lights and traffic police directions. Slow near crossings and give pedestrians time to cross safely.
Ride rested, sober and focused
Do not ride after drinking or when sleepy. Keep your phone away; stop somewhere safe before using it.
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.
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.
Use the footpath
Use a footpath where available. Otherwise, walk near the edge facing oncoming traffic, with extra care on narrow roads.
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.
Stop, look and listen
Check both directions and wait for enough time to cross. Walk straight across while watching traffic; do not run.
Check that traffic has stopped
Follow pedestrian signals and police directions. Even at a crossing, check every lane and watch for turning vehicles.
Keep your attention on the road
Put your phone away before crossing. Keep your hearing clear enough to notice approaching traffic.
Keep children on the safer side
Hold young children's hands and walk between them and traffic. Keep them close while waiting and crossing.
Help drivers see you at night
Wear or carry something reflective after dark. Choose well-lit paths and crossing points when possible.
Give moving vehicles space
Watch driveways and reversing vehicles. Avoid stepping out from behind a bus or truck where drivers cannot see you.