content_image/729898.jpg content_image/729899.jpg
Total stopping distance is the distance your vehicle will travel from the moment you notice a hazard until the moment your vehicle stops. You need time to see, think and do before your brakes even begin to slow your vehicle. Braking distance depends on your speed, your vehicle and road conditions. Always allow enough following distance. 

## warning! 

If you are turning left off a highway onto a driveway or side road, watch your mirrors and make sure you have plenty of space behind. The cars behind may not be prepared to slow down for you. 

## driving tip 

By looking ahead, keeping good space margins and anticipating road hazards, you can avoid sudden stops and changes in speed. These safe driving habits also save fuel. 

Try to leave yourself an escape route when you are driving on a multi- lane highway. Then, if something happens in front, you can pull into another lane to avoid trouble. 

<img src='content_image/729898.jpg'>

## Space behind 

What do you do when someone is tailgating you? You can’t control the space behind you in the same way as the space in front. But it’s a good idea to slow down slightly to increase your space in front. This way, if you have to stop, you can stop more gradually and there will be less chance of the person behind crashing into you. Other options are to move into another lane or to pull over to the side and let the tailgater pass. 

## Space beside 

Keep at least one metre of clear space on each side of your vehicle while you’re driving. When you’re passing pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles, allow as much room as possible — at least one metre, and more if you are going at a faster speed. Increase your side space margins even more when visibility or road conditions are poor. 

## Lane position 

<img src='content_image/729899.jpg'>

When you’re deciding where to position your vehicle in the lane, there are several things to consider: 

• on a two‑lane road, stay fairly close to the centre line so other vehicles do not move into your lane space 

• in the curb lane, stay well away from hazards on the side, such as car doors that might open 

• in most lanes, drive near the centre of the lane 

• avoid driving in other drivers’ blind spots. 

On a multi‑lane road, the right lane is often the safest one to choose. It keeps you away from oncoming traffic and it’s less likely that another driver will tailgate you. 

