Thanks to decades of public safety campaigns and road safety advertisements, we’re now driving on safer roads and in safer cars. As a result, road accident rates are going down. However, the figures are still too high, especially amongst younger drivers, with road collisions being the highest cause of death amongst young people in the UK. Whether you’re currently learning to drive, have just passed your driving test or have been driving your own car for a while, you can benefit from becoming a safer driver.
Stick to Speed Limits
Even going just a few miles per hour over the speed limit can have serious consequences in a collision. Although you might not feel that you’re going very fast at 30mph or 40mph when you’re behind the wheel, the results could be fatal were you to be involved in a collision. Driving over the speed limit is also against the law, and with traffic cameras everywhere, being reckless with the gas pedal could also land you a hefty fine or points on your license, even if you’re a learner. Brush up on your Highway Code here.
Take Breaks:
One of the best things about driving today is that at the wheel of your car, you can drive almost anywhere that you like, even overseas! But, if you’re planning a long distance trip, it’s important to remember that driving when you’re tired can be just as dangerous as driving when you’re drunk! Make sure that you plan breaks at service stations to regain your energy every few hours on a long drive.
Keep Your Distance
Getting too close to the car in front can be tempting if you’re in heavy traffic, but doing so puts you and the other driver at a higher risk of an accident, and you’ll be at fault for being too close behind. Keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you means that you will have more than enough time to react if they suddenly turn, slow down, or stop. This is not only important when driving slowly, but even more so if you are on a motorway or a road with a higher speed limit.
Practice Patience:
Not everybody on the road is a safe, or even a good driver. If a car comes flying out of nowhere and leaves you catching your breath, it can be easy to react angrily. However, aggressiveness on the roads can lead to even more accidents. Instead, practice defensive driving – keeping your distance, sticking to the speed limit, and staying alert for any sudden changes in the road ahead. This will give you enough time to calmly react to situations and keep your risk of danger or harm to a minimum.
Driving safely is not only the best way to stay within the law when in your car, it also helps to keep you and the others around you safe. With billions of cars on the roads globally, driving safely is essential to keep the traffic flowing smoothly.
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