Road Safety

Our top tips in road safety

• Adapt your driving to the weather conditions, if it is icy, there is snow or heavy rain, reduce your speed
• Adapt your driving to the conditions of the road.
• Drivers should remain alert and aware of cyclists and pedestrians at all times
• Keep lights, mirrors and windows clean and clear of obstructions
• Make sure your windscreen wipers are working properly and you have a plenty of screen wash
• Ensure your tyres have enough tread and the pressure is correct
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Never use a hand-held mobile phone while driving
• Do not drive too close to the vehicle in front. Remain at a safe distance
• Do not speed
• If you feel tired whilst driving pull over at your next available stop and rest before continuing your journey

These are the four main causes of KSI (killed or seriously injured) on our roads in the UK.

The Fatal 4 are:

1. Inappropriate speed

Even the difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The speed limit is not a target, you should drive at a speed that suits the conditions and the type of road. For example, if it’s foggy or raining, if you’re driving near a school or in a town centre, then driving at the speed limit could be too fast.
Make sure that you’re driving at a safe speed at all times, and never exceed the speed limit.

2. Using a mobile phone

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving - making calls, texting, reading posts, playing games, taking photos, anything. You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years. The law still applies to you if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

What about hands free? Even though hands-free kits are legal, it is also worth knowing that tests have shown people using these kits can be as distracted as if they were driving drunk. Don't use one.

3. Not wearing a seatbelt

You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seatbelt. So...make sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt or secured in a car seat. Children should use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

4. Drink/drug driving

When you drink, it takes longer for your brain to receive messages from your eye, and processing information becomes more difficult. All of these can significantly impact your driving.

Keep your vehicle safe

• Check fuel line for wear and tear, loose or worn connections cause safety problems
• Check tread, pressure, damage of tyres (look out for embedded nails or glass etc)
• Radiator - check fluid levels and top up if required
• Oil - check fluid levels and top up if required
• Lights should be functioning and clean
• Your vehicle is your responsibility - windscreen wipers, child seats and seatbelts should also be checked regularly

Breakdown advice 

Every year there are more than 85,000 breakdowns, so knowing what to do in an emergency or breakdown is crucial for keeping yourself and others safe. 

See further information on what to do in the case of a breakdown on the Highway Code website.

Car seats

It's a worrying statistic, but recent surveys in the UK found that as many as 80% of children's car seats aren't fitted correctly. If properly restrained, children are 90% less likely to be killed in a collision.

You can get more advice from The Good Egg Guide to In-Car Child Safety by visiting Road Safety GB's website.

Our top tips for keeping your family safe are:

• Find out what seats are most suitable for your vehicle
• Only buy a seat that carries the United Nations ECE R44.04 safety mark
• Make sure your retailer has trained members of staff who can fit and check your seat
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions