2. Safety
15
Driving
Before the first longer journey, take a test drive or complete a
safety training course to familiarise yourself with the van's driving
and handling characteristics.
Remember to practise reversing.
The base vehicle is a commercial vehicle; adjust your driving
style accordingly.
The following applies for driving:
• Do not underestimate the length and width of the van. Due to
the relatively long rear overhang larger vehicles can veer
to one side and, on uneven ground, the rear can hit the
ground.
• Be careful when driving into inner courtyards and through
entrance gates.
• The van may start to swing from side to side in cross-winds,
on wet or icy roads.
• If the van starts to sway, step carefully but firmly on the brake
to stabilise the vehicle.
• Only fit children's car seats on seats that have been fitted
by the manufacturer with three-point belts.
• Turn the cab seats to face forward and lock them into place.
The seats may not be turned when the vehicle is moving.
• Lock the sliding seat
*
into its original position.
• Do not open the door latch!
• You must only have the same number of passengers as seats
with seatbelts fitted!
Driving around corners
Due to its height, a van becomes unstable more quickly than
a car.
The following applies for driving around corners
• Never drive too quickly into a bend!
• When turning off the road, always pull out a little more to
ensure a larger curve radius. Please note that, depending
on the model, the rear end of the van may swing out.
This is more noticeable when the motor home has a long
rear overhang.
•
Never
accelerate if the van starts to sway.
• Adjust your speed to road and traffic conditions.
• Long descents with a slight gradient can become dangerous.
Adjust your speed from the very beginning to allow you to
speed up if necessary without endangering other road users.
• As a general rule, never drive faster downhill than uphill.
• The van may be caught up in a slipstream when overtaking or
being overtaken by lorries with trailers or buses. This effect
is counteracted by lightly counter-steering.
•
Use foresight while driving; take regular breaks on longer
journeys.
