I’m a #Safedriver - Episode 3: Being Mindful of Others While Driving

#SafeDriver: I pay attention to other road users and pedestrians when I’m driving

Checking my blind spots isn't an option. It's mandatory. It's a simple gesture that can save lives.

Sometimes you don't know how pedestrians will behave. So I always slow down or stop completely.

I'm Nasser Abu El Fotuh. I've been a truck driver for nearly fifteen years. My name is Anne-Mette Moeller and I'm the New Mobilities Development Manager for TotalEnergies in the Nordic countries. Denmark is a paradise for cyclists. With the many bikes that are in the city we have to be vigilant all the time. And they're really fast. We have to watch out for them. Sometimes they will pull into traffic without you knowing. I'm always very careful, especially when I'm driving in rush hour, like right now. When the traffic is heavy, I always pay extra attention to my surroundings, and I don't hesitate to slow down. You see? That's why you always have to keep a close eye on other road users. Especially when you know that cyclists are three times as likely to have a road accident as car drivers.

One of the problems in Egypt is the traffic. The roads are full of tuk-tuks, pedestrians... and the traffic is heavy. So you have to be very careful and look out on every side to pay attention to everyone. I see all manner of high-risk situations on the road every day.

Anticipating the mistakes of other road users is vital for safety on the road. I'm very focused when driving near a cyclist or a pedestrian. And of course I hold my foot above the brake pedal when approaching a high-risk area. And let me just say: I always check the blind spots before making a turn or changing lane. We drive through crowded areas and narrow streets. You have to be very careful of blind spots and always keep an eye on the right-hand lane.

In busy areas, I'm very careful. I slow down to track the pedestrians and vehicles. The road is a shared space so for me it means taking care of each other. Paying extra attention to other road users is part of being a #SafeDriver.

Being a #SafeDriver means being safe for me and for others.

I'm a #SafeDriver.

I'm a #SafeDriver.