By Tanvir Nandra, IAM
ROSES are red, violets are blue, I AM a good driver, but are you? As the day of love approaches, get ready to show your valentine how much you care by impressing them with your driving.
Drive safely down lovers’ lane. If you’re heading off for a romantic getaway, take care when you’re on unfamiliar roads, especially on bends. I find rural roads and their twists and bends can initially be quite daunting. Take them at slower speeds and plan ahead to spot hazards early. Remember, hazards on country roads are different from those of the city so account for anything from a tree branch to school children to wandering cattle.
Don’t get lost. The voice of your satnav commanding you to ‘turn left in 300 yards’ might be helpful to get you to your destination. But you need to be cautious, if you’re using satnav, don’t follow it blindly. We’ve all heard stories of the lorry stuck down a narrow street. Use your logic and the road signs (where possible) to help guide you to your destination. Otherwise you’ll end up taking rather unromantic diversions and your love life could be a road to nowhere.
Be a smooth operator. If you’ll be escorting your loved one on a date, impress them by driving smoothly, instead of fast. I’m sure you’ll be nervous and excited, but don’t forget, keep to the speed limit. Not only will this make them feel safe, it will save fuel and leave you extra money to spend on showering your date with gifts.
Arrive on time and in style. If you really want to wow that special someone, leave enough time for your journey. The worst thing you can possibly do is to stand someone up because you’re stuck in traffic. Try and plan ahead and leave as much time as possible to get there and find suitable parking. If your journey isn’t going well and you’ve hit delays, try and pull over and warn your lover that you’ll be delayed. They’ll be beaming with love and will willingly wait for you.
If you’re meeting for drinks, don’t pick your car keys up. It’s not worth it. Take the train, bus or taxi, it’s much easier and that way you don’t have to worry about whether you have had too much to drink. This way, you avoid the temptation to drink and drive. And if you’re really keen on driving, drive to the bar and think – none for the road. This way you keep on the right side of the law and keep you and your lover out of danger. If the date goes really well, you’ll also be lucky enough to wake up next to the most beautiful thing in the world…your pink driving licence.
To keep business drivers safe this winter, the IAM has a new website,drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.
Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.
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