DRIVING CODE Edited
DRIVING CODE Edited
THE DRIVER: Is someone who has the knowledge, skills and a positive attitude towards the vehicle. The
driver must be 18 years and above with a sound mind.
ATTITUDE: can be defined as a way of thinking about something or somebody’s behavior towards
something or somebody. Some attitudes are positive whiles others are negative.
Discipline: A disciplined person is law abiding. A discipline driver is the one who submits or subjects
himself/herself to the rules and regulations of the driving profession.
Neatness: they say in next to Godliness. Keeping oneself neat is very important in the driving
profession. It goes a long way to put confidence in your passengers and helps them to feel safe and
assured.
FITNESS TO DRIVE
As a driver, your overall physical and mental well-being is off major concern and for that matter you
driver has to be physically fit to drive defensively.
No illness/sickness: that can cause sudden interruption of your driving. Example; epileptic patients,
severe pain in the neck etc.
Eye sights: about 90% of decisions taken on the road by drivers are based on what they see.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Defensive driving is basically driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around
you and the actions of others. This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving
Course
Is the type of driving whereby the driver employs excellent defensive attitudes on the road that
ensures the protection of lives and properties,himself/herself other road users the passengers on
board.
Defensive Attitudes/Behaviors
• Consideration
• Concentration
• Observation
• Anticipation
• Tolerance
• Patience
• Confident
• Knowledgeable
• Responsibility
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Defensive Weapons
A car or vehicle is a tool or equipment, which runs on road. It has an engine and usually uses four
tyres or more. It is driven by one person who is referred to as a driver or an operator.
The car is also a useful device in the hands of a safe driver but very dangerous in the hands of the
reckless driver.
CONTROLS
STEERING: Is the act of directing the course of the vehicle by the use of the steering wheel.
➢ If you want to turn to any direction, you steer to that direction. It is very sensitive so it should
be handled carefully, it must also be held lightly but firm.
➢ The position of the hand should be on (i). 10 minutes to 2’oclock (ii). Or quarter to three
(15minutes to three)
THE HORN
This is used to alert or call for someone’s attention
➢ It is necessary to blow the horn as a warning at a place where it is difficult for you to see
portions of the road you are about to enter or turn on.
NB: Whenever you hear a siren, look into the mirror and make a head check as to the distance
and position of the vehicle that is blowing the siren.
SEAT BELT
It is very important for the driver and passenger to fasten their seat belts for safety.
NB: seat belts when fasten do not stop accidents from occurring, however it serves as the following
purposes should any accident occur.
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• It prevents the driver from hitting his chest or head against the steering wheel.
➢ It protects the use form hitting him/her against any part of the vehicle in case of an accident.
➢ It reduces the amount of seriousness of injuries that can occur in case of an accident.
NB: in case of an accident, passengers, without seat are likely to disturb the driver’s ability to
control the vehicles, so as a driver ensure that your passenger put on their seat belts.
➢ Is located or attached to the left hand column or side of the steering wheel. It is used for
indicating the direction you want to turn to.
➢ For the sake of safety, it is advisable to use arm signals in addition to the indicator lights, the
reasons, being that the two convey your attention absolutely.
WIPER SWITCH
This is also attached to the right hand column side of the steering wheel and is used to regulate the
wiper blades on the windscreen in order to clean or clear it.
MIRROR
➢ There are interior as well as exterior mirror, most interior mirrors are flat in shape
whiles the exterior ones are convex in shape.
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When to use the mirrors
➢ Before you move off from a parked position on to the road
➢ When overtaking
➢ When parking
➢ When opening your door
➢ When changing lanes
➢ When turning left or right
➢ When slowing down
➢ When about to make a stop
➢ When driving on dual or multiple carriageway
THE CLUTCH
This pedal is situated at the left foot side on the floor. It has three basic functions
For changing or selection gears
For reducing or slowing down and when stopping the vehicle completely.
For moving or taking off.
NB: for any of the above to be performed effectively you must and always press the clutch
pedal fully down with the left foot. But DO NOT forget to release it up gradually and gently.
This pedal is not sensitive like the brake and the accelerator pedals to be pressed gently down.
It is rather sensitive when releasing the pressure on it. Hence must be done gently or
gradually.
BRAKE:
This is situated between the accelerator and the clutch pedal (middle). And it is use to reduce the
speed and to stop the vehicle completely. It is also very sharp and so must be pressed gently. We
only use the right foot to control this pedals.
ACCELERATOR
This pedal is situated at the extreme right and it is used for speeding. It is very sensitive and must be
pressed gently. We only use the right foot to control this pedal also.
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GEARS
This gear is in a form of H shape. Changing of gears depends on the speed at which you are driving.
The higher the speed, the higher the gear and the lower the speed, the lower the gear.
REVERSING
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Reversing is one of the difficult maneuvers that any driver can undertake. There are however a
number of rules that can make reversing smooth and safe.
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ROAD SIGNS
Road signs are signs or symbols that communicate messages to the driver on the road.
Types
There are three major types and one minor
Major
Warning
Shape:
Triangular
Color: RED
Symbol: Black
Regulatory
Shape:
Circular
Color: Red
Symbol: Black with most being cancelled or cross cancelled
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Informatory
Shape:
Rectangular
Symbol: lettering
HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Hazard:
Is any situation on the road that requires a motorist or pedal cyclist to change speed,
direction or stop in order to retain control of the vehicle to avoid a possible crash on the
road.
Types
Hazards can be classified into three categories
Moving hazard
These are other road users;
➢ Pedestrians
➢ Cyclist
➢ Animals etc.
Moving hazards are dangerous as they can cross your path of travel and either cause a crash
or make your lose control of the vehicle.
Static hazard
These are those that are stationary
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➢ Bends
➢ Traffic light
➢ Roundabout
➢ Bridges
➢ Rail level
➢ Junctions
➢ Pedestrians crossing
Changing hazards
They are natural occurrences
➢ Bad weather
➢ Wind
➢ Blinding sunrays
➢ Fog
➢ Heavy rainfall
➢ A parked vehicle
➢ Road crash scenes
➢ Slow moving vehicles
➢ Confused driver
➢ Driver in a hurry
➢ Dozing driver
➢ Narrow bridges
➢ Work zones
➢ Bumps
➢ Junctions
➢ Intersections
➢ Cross roads
➢ Traffic lights
➢ At roundabouts
➢ Hospitals
➢ Shopping malls
➢ Market places
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Why You Have To Look For Hazards
➢ To enable you identify early what the other road user is about to do.
➢ To enable you avoid road crash
➢ To avoid emergencies
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Fog, rain, sunshine are examples of weather condition that may make driving very unfavorable
Bad weather can affect driving by reducing visibility and traction, either of which can lead to loss of
control.
Limited visibility
A heavy rain can prevent vision so much that you cannot even see the edges of the roadway.
If you must pull off the road to wait for rainstorm to minimize, it is best to pull to a rest area.
If this is possible pull off the road as far as you can. Turn your headlights off and turn on your
emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
Driving in fog
Most drivers know the dangers of driving in fog but, they do not know what safety measures to take.
➢ Reduce the speed and turn on your low beam headlights and emergency flashers.
➢ Avoid sudden stop. If you must stop, steer off into the shoulder if possible.
➢ A major cause of accident in fog is over driving visibility. i.e driving too fast for the condition.
➢ Emergency flashers can help to increase visibility.
➢ Always use windshield wipers in fog conditions and remember that the problem of driving in
fog become greater at night.
➢ Road users
➢ Motorist
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➢ Cyclist (Pedal cyclist)
➢ Passengers
➢ Animals
➢ Cart pushers
Types of carriageways
➢ Single carriageway
➢ Dual carriageway
➢ Multiple lane carriageway
MOTORWAY
Motorways are speed test roads and if not specified there is no speed limit
Uses
URBAN DRIVNG
When one is driving in the urban, one is being controlled by three main agencies
➢ Police
➢ School patrol
➢ The traffic light
Your speed should not exceed 30-50km.
NB: priority should always be given to the police. Thus, the instruction of the police should be
followed even when the traffic light are in operation
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CITY DRIVING
You should be able to meet and deal with oncoming traffic safety especially, where there are
obstruction such as parked cars, and where you have to move into the path on oncoming traffic.In
built up areas such Makola and Nima (in Accra)etc. look out for doors opening,children running
out,pedestrians stepping out between parked cars or from buses,vehicles pulling out without
warning.
HIGHWAY DRIVNG
It is combination of motorway driving and urban city driving. Example Accra-Kumasi or Accra-Cape
Coast is considered a highway.
In cities or towns the driving changes whiles out of city or town the driving turns to be motorway.
They are mostly in the remote areas of countryside. They connect one village to the other until it
finally joins a major highway. They are normally not tarred, dusty and narrow as such on markings.
Bridges on this type of road are narrow with occasional bushy edges.
Driving on such a road calls for patience
Its narrow nature makes overtaking very difficult. It is therefore advisable not to overtake on such
roads until the vehicle ahead decides to stop in a safe place for you.
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ROAD ACCIDENT
An accident is a sudden occurrence that brings bad consequences. It can be described as minor or
major.
In minor accidents the consequences is not disastrous but in major accidents casualties are involved.
Road condition
➢ Rough and corrugated (pot holes)
➢ Slippery surface
➢ Sharp curves etc.
Weather conditions
➢ A heavy rainfall
➢ Fog
Mechanical faults
➢ Tyre burst
➢ Steering failure
➢ Brake failure
➢ Acceleration jams etc.
Human errors
Poor calculations resulting to poor judgments is one of the major factors of human error.
Poor knowledge about the language of the road and recklessness are also major causes.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE
Minor accident
When an accident occurs, the following must be adhered to
➢ Stop the vehicle, put the hazard lights on to inform other road users of the dangers
ahead
➢ Place the reflective triangle about 45-50 meters in front and behind to inform or warn
other road users
➢ With a chalk or any object, mark the position of the four tyres of your car, and that of
the other car.
➢ Remove the two vehicles as they may be causing obstruction to other road users.
➢ Report to the police and then to your insurance company.
Major accident
In case of major accident follow the following procedures
1. Inform other road users by fixing the reflective warning triangle
2. Be very careful when handling accident victims
3. Bring all accident victims together
4. Arrange them in order of seriousness.
5. Should there be any help consider those whose condition are more serious.
6. Arrange for an ambulance to convey victims to the nearest hospitals.
7. The driver should report to the police and then to the insurance company.
FIRST AID
The term First Aid was adopted for the first time in England in the year 1870, by the Saint
John Ambulance Association (S.J.A.A).
First aid is the initial temporary care given to the ill or victims of an accident before the
arrival of a doctor.
Aims
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➢ Promoting a save environment
➢ Saving lives
➢ Preventing injury or illness from becoming worse.
➢ Helping promote recovery
NB: the first aid provider is not a medical doctor and as such does not qualify to
administer drugs. It is therefore advisable that the driver takes a passenger who
complains of any ailment to the nearest hospital. Take his or her particulars and
report to the station manager on arrival and if possible report to the family.
First Aid Kits
Bandage safety pins
Blades plaster
Gauze surgical disposable gloves
Scissors carbolic soap
NB: never include any drug in your kit. However any first aid box designed for the
family can contain drugs that are the family drugs.
What To Do when you approach a scene of an accident or emergency follow this
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DRABC
D – check for Danger
R – check Response
A – clear and open Airways
B – check Breathing
C – check for circulation
R – Check response
➢ Is the casualty conscious?
➢ Generally shake the person and ask can you hear me?
➢ If the person is unconscious, he/she should be turned on the side.
B – check Breathing
➢ To check for breathing
➢ To check for breathing, apply look and feel
➢ Look at the chest and stomach if it is rising and falling
➢ Listen from the warm air from the nose with your cheek
➢ If no breathing give him air by applying artificial respiration
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FIRE FIGTHING
A fire in motor vehicle generally involves petrol and electrical fault and is therefore likely to
increase rapidly and intensity.
Causes of fire in a vehicle
➢ Worn out tyres
➢ Excessive heat in the engine due to the failure of the radiator fan or oil level of the
engine oil
➢ Leakages of fuel out of the fuel pipes
➢ Hanging wires that normally touches the road surface is a good recipe for fire ignition
➢ Exposed electrical wires that may get into contact with each other i.e P+N (positive +
negative)
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LICENSING
The law demands that before one engages in any profession one needs to have some form of
documents, so it is in the driving profession
Driving License: this is the basic and official documents that permit one to drive.
Road worthy Certificate: the law mandates the DVLA to ensure that all vehicles plying our
roads are roadworthy. All vehicles have to undergo through inspection check like
- Light testing with beam setters - steering control checks
- Brake testing - seats and body condition checks
VEHICLE COMPONENTS
Frame/Chassis: Supports the vehicle as a whole.
Engine: is a power plant, which generates its own power in propelling the vehicle.
Shock absorbers: receivesthe shock on the surface of the road from being transmitted to the
occupants of the vehicle.
Body: it serves as a shelter for the occupants. It beautifies the vehicle.
Starter: is an electrical device, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy in
turning the fly wheel.
Starter motor: is to rotate the engine at a certain minimum speed in order for the engine to
commence running.
Gear box: helps the driver to select the speed of the vehicle according to the road surface.
Power Train: Carries power from the engine to the road wheels.
Vehicle Accessories: This includes radio, air-conditions, lights, wipers etc.
Servicing Of Vehicle
Vehicles must be serviced according to manufacturing specifications. However, for general
purposes, it is recommended that servicing should be done after the vehicle has covered a
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distance of 5000km or 3000miles or six months depending on which ever is first. If the
vehicle is town driven example taxi, mini bus or trotro.
Oil to be used
S A E (society of automobile engineers)
S A E 40 for petrol cars and S A E 50 for diesel cars
TYRE CARE
Tyres can make a difference in the performance of your vehicle for it is not the steering
systems that drive the vehicle. On the contrary it is the tyres that drives the vehicle.
Takecare of the tyres so that the tyre also takes care of you.
CORRECT PRESSURE
➢ Tyres must be inflated according to manufacturer`s specification(written on the tyre
side wall)
➢ Tyre inflated according to specification grips the surface of the road and ensures
uniform wear.
➢ Correct pressure leads to fuel economy
➢ Check pressure at least once every month
➢ Make sure you check tyre pressure when the tyre is cold
➢ Check pressure before making any long journeys
➢ Tyres on your vehicle and any trailer must be in good condition.
➢ Check for excessive heat when you stop for abreak
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BEFORE YOU MOVE A VEHICLE, LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF
I. Wear
II. Damage
III. Cuts
IV. Exposed cords
Blowing: upon hearing the blowing of a siren give way to traffic. Before you do check the
following.
P – the Position of approaching traffic
L - Look right for any road user or obstruction
S – pull to the right for Safety
Methods of communication
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Drivers of motor vehicles use signaling devices to send most messages.( Horns, Indicators,
Lights and the Headlights)
Four common messages
Intension: I plan to turn left or right. I am turning here, I am strong and I want to pass.
Please move over, I want to back up.
Warnings: there is trouble ahead in my lane. I m
ust stop suddenly. There is trouble or danger in your lane. Your lights are blinding me.
Presence: I am over here. Notice me. Do you see me? I am parked.
Feedback: I see you. I get the message. Thanks for helping me.
VEHICLE INSTRUMENTATION
In order to be able to operate your vehicle safely, you must know the functions and locations
of all the interior mechanisms of your car.
Speedometer: it shows you speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour. A needle bar
moves from left to right as speed increases and from right to left when the speed decreases.
Engine tachometer: it indicates the working speed of the engine in revolutions per minute.
Odometer: it measures the total distance that the vehicle has travelled since it was
manufactured. The distance is measured in either miles or kilometers.
Fuel content gauge: this indicates the level of fuel in the fuel tank when the starter switch is
on. The letter F and E indicates full and empty tank respectively.
Oil pressure gauge: it is an indication whether the oil pump is functioning normal.
Vehicle temperature: It indicates the temperature system of the engine or vehicle as a whole
(the letter C and H represents hot and cool)
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Spare tyre: it is a requirement by law to carry a spare tyre in your vehicle at all times. The
spare tyre should be in good order and same rim size as that of the vehicle.
Jack: it is an instrument that is used to lift the vehicle in case the vehicle develops a tyre
problem
Wheel spanner: it is used to loosen the nuts when there is the need to remove the tyre.
Set of spanners: this is to help the driver fix minor damages on the vehicle
Warning triangle: this is used to inform or warn other road users of the damage ahead. It is
normally places about 45-50 metres in front and behind the accident scene or site.
N.R.S.C: The National Road Safety Commission is a state institution where they see to the
safety of the people nationwide.
Then to D.V.L.A
The Police: they happen to be the only security agency that enforces the laws on roads with
the driver.
The DVLA has a primary responsibility to ensure the road worthiness of vehicles and good
driving standards. Under the functions of vehicle inspection and registration, the authority
performs the following activities.
• New registration
• Change of ownership
• Conversion (private to commercial)
• Vehicle lay off
• Road worthiness
• Accident reports
Blind Sport: An area which is not seen by motorist in the mirror, (The interior or exterior
mirror) though they are properly adjusted.
Braking distance: The distance traveled by the vehicle from the time the motorist applies
the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Coasting: To move forward, in a vehicle without using the engine, usually downhill or
constantly depressing the clutch down whiles on top speed.
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Dual Carriageway: Is an example of a one way street consisting of two parallel roads which
allows vehicular movement in one direction on both sides. It is normally divided by a central
island.
Pelican Crossing: It is traffic lights where you will see a person in a walking posture
embossed on the light. Where it is green, it means the pedestrian has the right way.
Toucan Crossing: There are traffic lights with a person and bicycle embossed respectively.
Such lights are called toucan crossing.
Tail Gate: This is when you follow a vehicle too closely while driving. (This is known in
the local parlance as bumper to bumper)
Two-Second Rule: A test to enable you determines your following distance while driving. It
demands locating a fixed object ahead of you and counting two seconds immediately the rare
of the lead vehicle passes the object. If you reach the object before you finish the count of
two, then you are driving too close to the lead vehicle. This ideal for dry surface. And Four
Second Rule which follows the same theory is ideal for wet surface.
Friction Point: Slightly decreasing the pressure on the clutch pedal to let it come back
as far as half of it. (Locally known as half clutch)
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