You can often communicate with other road users just by using your eyes. When you stop for pedestrians, make eye contact to let them know that you have seen them and it is safe for them to cross. Do the same for other drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists when you are stopped at an intersection.

Choose the lane that gives you the best visibility and allows you to go where you want to go. However, avoid the left lane for most normal driving; the left lane should be used as a passing lane. Usually, one of the centre lanes offers the smoothest flow of traffic.

Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. A motorcycle needs the whole lane to travel safely. Allow plenty of space when you pass a motorcycle because your vehicle may throw dirt or water in the rider’s face. Increase your following distance behind a motorcycle to at least three seconds. Motorcycles can stop very quickly and motorcyclists can skid and fall under poor road conditions. You need to leave plenty of room to stop safely.

It takes time for your eyes to adjust to dim light or darkness. The older you are, the longer it takes for your eyes to adjust. Before entering a tunnel, slow down to give your eyes more time to adjust to the lower light levels. Also remove your sunglasses and turn on your headlights for increased visibility.

Signal your intention to turn off the highway, maintaining your speed until you enter the exit lane. Then slow down gradually as you prepare to enter roads with lower speed limits.

Large vehicles operate quite differently than cars do. A large vehicle has huge blind spots on all four sides. And it usually doesn’t have a rear-view mirror. Make sure to stay out of its blind spots, or else its driver will not see you. (If you can’t see its driver, either directly or in one of its side mirrors, its driver can’t see you.) You might be hit if you sneak behind a truck while it is backing into a loading bay or out of a driveway. If you cut right in front of a large vehicle, you might enter its front blind spot and risk being rear-ended. Avoid being on the right of a large vehicle if there’s any chance it might turn right. If you’re in the large vehicle’s right-side blind spot, you might be squeezed between the truck and the curb if it turns right.

Steer your vehicle in a smooth line so there will be little side‑to‑side movement. The best way to do this is to look well ahead in the direction you want to go. Your peripheral vision will help you centre your vehicle and keep you moving in a straight line. When you turn, look well ahead in the direction you are turning.

You must yield the right-of-way to lawfully crossing pedestrians within any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.

Rain can cause loss of traction and hydroplaning. Rain makes the road surface slippery, especially during the beginning of a rainfall. The rainwater mixes with the oil on the road to create a slippery, oily film that persists until more rain washes it away. Hydroplaning occurs when the tires lose contact with the road surface and float on a film of water, causing the driver to lose control of steering and braking. Slow down and use caution when driving on any low‑traction surface, and avoid driving altogether in extremely bad weather. You should also leave more following distance and allow at least twice the usual braking distance.

A pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is visually impaired. Yield the right-of-way and use extreme caution around a pedestrian who may be unable to see you. Don’t use your horn or race your engine because it might startle the pedestrian or guide dog.

Help prevent other drivers from becoming frustrated or angry by giving the right-of-way, signalling your intentions, moving over for merging traffic, and driving in a relaxed manner. Do not yell or honk at other road users. If another driver gets angry at you, don’t retaliate. Get out of the driver’s way and let him or her pass.

Emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights and sirens always have the right‑of‑way. All traffic moving in both directions must stop. If you’re approached by an emergency vehicle, get clear of any intersection, pull over to the right (or to the left if you’re on a one-way street or in the left lane of a divided highway), and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if the emergency vehicle is on the opposite side of a divided highway, in which case you do not have to pull over.

Alcohol, some illegal drugs, some prescription medications and some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, sedation or impaired coordination, which may impair your ability to drive. If your doctor or pharmacist cautions you that a medication is likely to interfere with driving safely, pay attention. If you are feeling impaired after taking a medication, don’t drive. Let someone else do the driving until the effect has worn off

When you drive, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. Sometimes you will find that passengers can be distracting. Children often become bored with long drives and demand attention from you. This is a time when you will have to show leadership and maintain control. Tell children the rules before you start the trip. Tell them that you will not be able to talk very much because you need to concentrate on driving. Prepare in advance and give children activities if it’s a long drive