David's top tips

David Coulthard's top tips for staying safe on country roads

For secondary school levels:

Belt Up
Before you head off, be responsible and make sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt. It could be the crucial difference in the event of a crash.
Watch Your Speed
Country roads aren’t just about obeying the speed limit. You have to drive at a speed that won’t affect your decision-making ability. And that may be well below the limit.
Blind Summits / Hidden Dips
Dips on the road will catch you out if you aren’t paying attention. Be aware of summits by keeping an eye on road signs and slowing down as you approach. You just don’t know what could be over the hill.
Hairpin Bends
It’s really important to reduce your speed when navigating a bend. Going a fraction too fast could force you into the middle of the road, leaving you exposed to oncoming traffic.
Blind Corners
Country roads are so unpredictable that you can never know what hazards are waiting around the corner. The best way to take blind bends is to reduce your speed.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Conditions are always changing. You might know a road like the back of your hand, but you won’t know if there’s a tractor pulling out of a field or a slick of mud waiting on the road. Drive cautiously at all times.
Distractions
When road conditions are changing so fast, it’s even more important to make sure you’re focussed on the road. Ignore your mobile, leave your Sat Nav alone and wait until you’ve arrived safely to have that packet of crisps.