Road Safety Tips
How To Stay Safe on The Roads This Christmas
With the excitement of Christmas approaching, and the hurrying around to shop for presents, visiting your loved ones, and driving away for staycations, it’s important to remind yourself how to stay safe on the roads this festive season.
We’ve put together a list of handy tips to keep you as safe as possible whilst driving in the dark, often wet, and dreary conditions.
Tip 1: Don’t drive distracted
Driver distraction is one of the major causes of road traffic accidents. This can range from overly loud music, to adjusting navigation devices, or something sliding around on your backseat, like a Christmas present! Before you set off make sure that all potential distractions are secured and sorted, so you can drive as safely as possible.
Tip 2: Keep your distance and maintain a two-second gap
The roads are often heavily congested during the festive period. The more space you keep around you, both front and rear, the less chance you will have of a collision. Maintain space to provide a safety barrier if an accident were to happen.
During dry weather conditions, you should maintain at least two seconds-worth of distance between you and the vehicle in front. When visibility is low such as during light fog, light rain, or at night, you should double the distance to the car in front to a minimum of four seconds, and in severe weather conditions, such as snow and ice, double the distance again.
Tip 3: Look ahead and anticipate
Widen your radar and widen it again. Look ahead of the vehicle in front of you and your mirrors to observe what is going on around you. Observe the behaviours of those around you. The average driver reacts to an expected event in 0.7 of a second, but up to three times longer when the event is unexpected.
Tip 4: Watch out for road markings
Keep an eye out for all road markings and signs. They are vital to a driver’s safety. Look out for well lit areas, as the presence of increased lights indicates you’re approaching a junction or roundabout, which are typically areas of higher danger.
Tip 5: Don’t use your mobile phone!
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving or while stopped with the engine running – unless it’s in hands-free mode. If you break this law, you could face a fine of £100 and three penalty points on your license. If you are seen not to be in control of a vehicle whilst using a phone in hands-free mode – you can be prosecuted for that offence.
Tip 6: Eyesight – get it checked!
Ensure to get regular eye tests or immediately if you suspect you have a problem with your eyesight.
Tip 7: Don’t drive tired
Driving when tired is a significant contributory factor in road crashes. You should plan your journey in advance, so you have time to take breaks. You should take a break of at least 15 minutes whenever you have driven continuously for two hours, or less than this if you begin to experience fatigue. Plan your journey with us here.
Tip 8: Vehicle condition checks are crucial
Ensuring your vehicle is as safe as possible for the roads when driving is crucial. Ensure your vehicle is regularly serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations to help avoid breakdowns and accidents caused by vehicle faults.
Ensure to keep on top of these checks before every long journey:
- All fluid levels
- Tyre tread depth and pressures
- Headlights and indicators
Worn or damaged tyres are dangerous and illegal with a fine of up to £2,500 plus three penalty points per tyre. Don’t risk it – keep your car in check!