25 tips that will make you a better driver - page 6

Cut the clutter

According to the law: "No person shall drive...if he is in such a position that he cannot...have full view of the road ahead." While this may sound rather vague, one thing it does mean is that drivers need to be wary of fixing too many devices like smartphones (many of which have increased in size), portable sat-navs, speed camera detectors and dashcams on their dashboards. If you do have a device that suckers on the windscreen, it's worth keeping it away from what's referred to as 'zone A', which is a vertical area of the windscreen 290mm wide, centred above the steering wheel.

Use safety tech

Most new cars are sold with audio and menu controls mounted on the face of the steering wheel, or sometimes, just behind it on a stalk. These aren't just designed for convenience because using them means you can keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. In fact, within a short period of owning a new car and getting used to it, it should be possible to change the volume of the radio or change the trip computer without even taking your eyes off the road. If a car were to suddenly pull out, you'd be able to brake or take evasive action sooner.

Find out why 'only a fool breaks the two second rule' on page 7...