Driving for long distances can be very tiring. Since fatigue can lead to increased potential for accidents, driving limit recommendations for all drivers are as follows:

• Daytime travel: Four (4) hours at one time
• Night time travel: Three (3) hours at one time

The driver's attention should always be on the safe operation of the vehicle. Distractions such as eating, drinking or talking on a mobile phone should be avoided by the driver while the vehicle is in motion.

The driver should avoid operating in reverse whenever possible to prevent accidents that happen most frequently when vehicles back up.

Making Turns

1. When turning a corner, you must make a wider swing with a van than you would with a car. Consequently, on a right turn it is necessary to watch the right outside mirrors for small vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
2. Use turn signals well in advance.
3. Make turns more slowly than you would with a car. If you turn too quickly, the van will lean and make your passengers uncomfortable.
4. Whenever possible, don't make "U" turns. Due to the van's wider turning radius, a "U" turn may require you to make at least one backward movement. Avoid backward movement whenever possible.

Following Distance
A loaded van is more difficult to stop than a car travelling at the same speed. Therefore, you should use a four-second following rule for a van. The four-second rule works as follows: Count 1,001 - 1,002 - 1,003 - 1,004 after the rear of the vehicle you are following passes a fixed object. If the front of your vehicle passes the same object before you count to 1,004, you are following too closely. Slow down. Increase follow distance in poor weather conditions or when fully loaded.

Height of Van
The height of the van has advantages and disadvantages for the driver. On the plus side, it gives you a better view of the road ahead. On the negative side, some garages are not high enough to accommodate the van. You also have to watch for overhead obstructions such as trees and limbs.

Drivers who normally travel in cars can easily forget that vans are significantly taller than cars and therefore more likely to bash their roof on objects. Be careful with:
-Bridges and overpasses
-Drive through canopies
-Low hanging tree limbs and power/telephone lines
-Garages may not be high enough to accommodate your van

Blind Spots
The van has blind spots on each side. Adjust your mirrors to reduce these as much as possible.

To avoid striking a pedestrian, stop well before you reach a crosswalk. Watch out for your own passengers walking across the front of the van as they board or leave.

The greatest blind spot is to the rear when backing up.

Backing Up
Your best defense is to back up only when necessary. Avoid backing into traffic. If you must back up:

1. Back into a space so that you can drive out.
2. Engage hazard lights
3. Sound the horn twice to alert pedestrians and other drivers.
4. Look over both shoulders.
5. Use all mirrors.
6. Utilize a spotter whenever available.
7. Avoid blindside backing.
8. Back slowly and cautiously.

Defensive Driving Techniques
A defensive driver is one who:

1. Is careful to commit no driving errors.
2. Makes allowances for the lack of skill and improper attitude and actions of others.
3. Doesn't become involved in an accident or close call because of weather, road conditions, traffic or the actions of pedestrians and other drivers.
4. Keeps continually alert for accident-producing situations far enough in advance to take defensive action.
5. Concedes the right of way to prevent an accident.