a cushion of safety behind you by maintaining a safe distance between you and any following vehicles. If a vehicle is following you too closely, slow down, move over and let it pass as soon as you can do so safely. Create a safety cushion to your sides by keeping a safe distance from any hazards on your sides, such as driveways, parked vehicles, cyclists or children playing on the footpath. Important The cheapest insurance you can have is space around your vehicle. The more space you have, the safer you will be. Don't get distracted It's easy to get distracted when you're riding. Things like a talking pillion passenger, passing scenery and roadside advertising can all divert your attention from your riding and the road. You must learn to ignore distractions and concentrate on riding. If, for any reason, you must look away from the road, follow these pointers: Check well ahead and behind for any potential hazards. Don't look away if you can see potential hazards. Remember, if you do look away from the road, you will still have to maintain your direction. Never take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds. Identify escape routes Following the tips above will help you avoid many potentially dangerous crashes. However, despite all your best efforts, there may still be occasions when you find yourself on a direct collision course with another vehicle or other hazard. For this reason, it is wise to identify possible escape routes