Alertness

Alertness is about staying focused, observing what's happening around you, and being ready to react. It covers concentration, observation, distractions, and tiredness behind the wheel.

Most crashes happen because a driver missed something. If you're tired, distracted, or not looking properly, your reaction time slows and you can miss hazards that a fresh, alert driver would spot easily.

• Glancing at a phone or sat nav at the wrong moment.
• Driving when tired and thinking 'I'll be fine'.
• Not using mirrors before signalling, turning or changing lanes.
• Following too closely so you can't see far enough ahead.

• MSM = Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre — use it before every change of speed or direction.
• Open a window, stop for a break, or drink a caffeinated drink if you feel sleepy. On a motorway, stop at the next services.
• Plan your sat nav route before you set off, not while moving.
• Take a break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours on a long drive.

• You're approaching a junction and your passenger is talking — you should ask them to wait so you can concentrate.
• Driving home late, your eyes feel heavy. Pull into the next safe place and rest — don't try to push through.

• Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours on long drives.
• Handheld phone use while driving = 6 points + £200 fine.