On Tuesday 23 May, Martin White from the Kapiti Driving School and Rebecca Hancox, a senior student from Horowhenua College came to speak to the students about driving safely.

They gave the students tips about how to be a safe driver and how to avoid hazards on the road.  The tips included:

1.  Refuse lazy habits.  Don't cut corners, Don't cross road marking lines. Respect the speed limits.  Actually stop at stop signs.  Indicate out of roundabouts.  Don't tailgate other cars.

2.  Refuse dangerous driving habits.  Don't drive alone on your Learners licence.  Don't carry around passengers on your Restricted licence.  Don't use your phones AT ALL while driving.  Don't drive when you are tired.  Pull over and rest.  Don't fiddle with anything while driving,

3.  Establish an observation routine.  Check your mirrors.  Indicate.  Check your blind spots over your shoulders.  

4.  Establish a proper steering technique.  Previously people have been told to hold their hands at '10' and '2' on the steering wheel, but with the way that airbags are made today this is dangerous.  If the airbag goes off and your hands are at '10' and '2', your hands will hit you straight in the face.  If you hold your hands on the steering wheel at '9' and '3' and the airbags go off your hands will fly past the side of your head.  

They are running a Defensive Driving Programme aimed at students in order to create safer roads and road users in New Zealand.

The Defensive Driving Programme will:

-Shorten your restricted period

-Improve your driving skills

-Prepare you for your Full test

Check out the link below for more information.

http://kapitidrivingschool.com/street-talk/