#3500 lives – what are your tips for safe driving?

Take an Advanced driving course - teaches you far more than the limited amount taught just to get you through the test!  Reading the road for a start, not just what is immediately in front of you. AND a towing and manouevering course - not just a plug for the Club's version - others are available - check out HGV training places! Having said that, I didn't do the latter, but was brought up on a farm and was reversing 4 wheel trailers aged 14!

ALWAYS drive  at a speed that you can stop within the distance that you can see to be clear. No matter what the road and, or, the weather conditions may be. Remember, wet roads double the stopping distance and icy surfaces ten times normal stopping distances. Never drink and drive, use your mobile on the move, and do not drive when tired or stressed. Driving requires 100% concentration, no less.

not all drivers stick to the speed limit, even those with a van on the back. It is downright dangerous, and illegal,  to drive too fast. When driving on the limit, how many times have we been overtaken by both types of drivers? keep it safe out there!

Some good tips for safer driving there.   

A week or two ago had to find Craigie Gardens site for the first time.  Directions in the Green Book are usually excellent.  This time some difficulty.   Things were not made easier on the approach  with a renamed road and a new roundabout.

The biggest killer on the roads today is the mobile phone! Fact! Speed is another- slow down- you need to drive within yours and the vehicles capabilities! Drive for the mistakes of others. An example- if a guy is right up your chuff box with no room to stop if something happens, then slow off and increase your stopping distance between you and the car in front thereby giving braindead Dick at the back time to stop too without piling into the back of you. If you can't count 2 seconds between the car in front reaching a marker and you arriving at it, you're too close and as William says- allow much more for wear and icy roads.. I could go on but won't 

Also, it would be very helpful if road signs were cleaned once in a while! 

I agree there is nothing more distrcacting than someone filling your rear view mirror but I always leave 3 seconds between me and the car in front not only doI have time to brake I can see further ahead

           1 and 2 and 3 is three seconds  

Leaving a good distance between yourself and the vehicle in front will cover nearly everything else others have mentioned. This is a defensive driving style that will give you time to think, react, and may save yours and others lives. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE and take your time. You will feel better for it. On the plus side you will get more miles per gallon with less wear and tear of you vehicle. Happy Caravanning.

Nobody's mentioned the middle lane owners yet 

Many many moons ago, my Police driving instructor took one session on driving without using brakes. That REALLY does teach you to look ahead and anticipate. (He also came up with the 'assume the other guy is an eejit'!)