DRIVER safety and risk management specialist Peak Performance Management (PPM) has compiled a league table of the top 10 driving faults in the UK and how to avoid them.

1) Low speed collisions while parking and manoeuvring. Do everything slowly, look through both mirrors AND screens, front and rear. Do not guess, get out and look or get help!

2) Driving too close to the vehicle in front. Avoid by applying the 'two second rule' leaving a gap of at least two seconds between you and the car in front.

3) Stopping too close to the vehicle in front. Stop so that you can see where the rear wheels of the vehicle in front touch the tarmac. Leave more space if it's an HGV.

4) Excessive speed. Stay within posted speed limits, and use forward observation to identify anything that may cause you to slow down well in advance.

5) Tiredness. Take regular breaks a break of 15 minutes for every two hours of driving is about right. Do not attempt to drive long distances if you are already tired.

6) Moving into the blind spot of another vehicle, and being 'side-swiped' when they don't see you. Use the door mirrors of the other vehicle if you can see the other driver's face in their door mirror, they can see you.

7) Braking too late. Always try and alert the car behind by applying the brake lights early, which should encourage them to increase their following distance.

8) Lack of hazard awareness. Remember, the more money spent on the road in terms of paint, signs, surfacing and other 'road furniture', the greater the hazard.

9) Not allowing for different 'driver types' such as HGVs, buses, vans, taxis and despatch riders. Always try and be aware of driver types around you, and watch and learn from what you see on the road.

10) Poor road positioning causing vision problems for other drivers. If another driver cannot see you until the last minute, this will reduce their reaction time and may cause late braking or collisions.