Driving & Road Behaviour

tailgate

to drive really close behind another car<br>Example: The driver behind me started to ______, so I changed lanes to let him pass.

flash your lights

to quickly turn your headlights on and off as a signal<br>Example: He ______ to warn me there was a speed camera ahead.

overtake

to pass another vehicle in front of you<br>Example: It's dangerous to ______ on a narrow country road.

cut up

when another car suddenly moves in front of you, forcing you to brake<br>Example: I got ______ by a white van coming off the slip road onto the motorway.

go through a red light

to drive past traffic lights when they are red<br>Example: You'll get a fine and points on your licence if you ______.

run over

to hit a person or animal with a vehicle and drive over them<br>Example: I almost ______ a fox that ran into the road last night.

swerve

to suddenly change direction to avoid hitting something<br>Example: I had to ______ sharply to avoid hitting the dog that ran into the road.

tow away

to pull a car away with a truck, usually for illegal parking<br>Example: My car was ______ because I parked in front of a fire hydrant.

make allowances

to act kindly because someone may be new or not very good at something<br>Example: You should ______ for new drivers — everyone makes mistakes at first.

lose your licence

to have your driving licence taken away by law<br>Example: If you get caught drink-driving, you'll ______ for at least a year.

speed limit

the maximum speed you are legally allowed to drive<br>Example: He was doing 20 mph over the ______, so the police pulled him over.

criminal offence

an action that is against the law and can be punished<br>Example: Driving without insurance is a ______ in most countries.