Did you know that January is one of the worst months for the highest number of road accidents in the UK? As such, there’s never been a better time to refresh your knowledge on driving safely in 2023. Below are our 5 top tips.
Take rests on longer drives
Let’s face it, we all want to get to our destinations as quickly as we can, but driving non-stop, especially on long journeys, isn’t advised. Maintaining your concentration and awareness for hours on end is already hard enough, but it’s even tougher when you’re dealing with fatigue too.
Getting tired at the wheel can reduce reaction times, and long periods of sitting in the same position can cause health problems such as lower back pain. That’s why regular stops are essential on long, tedious drives. To maintain your alertness, it’s recommended that you take a break every two hours for at least 15 minutes.
Reduce your speed
Reducing your speed is another way to prevent avoidable accidents. Speed limits are in place for a reason, so make sure you’re following them. Allowing yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going can help you to stick to the speed limit as this prevents you from rushing.
There are certain times, however, when you should reduce your speed regardless of the speed limit, including poor weather and visibility and when you’re driving in busy pedestrian areas, like outside of schools.
Avoid distractions
The non-stop flux of social media notifications, phone calls and text messages can make it hard to tear your eyes away from your mobile device, but distractions are one of the leading causes of car accidents. As well as phones, other distractions include talkative passengers and eating or drinking whilst driving.
Eliminating these distractions will allow to you focus on the road ahead, so don’t be afraid to tell a chatty passenger to stop talking so you can concentrate and make sure you switch your phone on ‘do not disturb’. If you decide to grab food from a drive-thru, pull over to eat it or eat before you set off.
Prepare your vehicle for adverse weather conditions
It’s no secret that in the UK, winters are becoming more extreme. With icy conditions and plunging temperatures forecast more regularly, preparing your car is paramount. Firstly, familiarise yourself with the Met Office warnings and only drive when necessary. Poor weather conditions can also exacerbate pre-existing faults, so make sure your car is up-to-date with its services and get anything you’re concerned about checked out.
Check your blind spots
Every vehicle has a blind spot – an area the mirrors don’t cover – and making an active effort to physically turn and check your blind spot prevents easily avoidable damage or accidents. Even in cars that contain blind spot detection technology, it’s good practice to routinely check yourself instead of relying solely on your car’s technology.
There is always more you can learn to become a safer driver, and practising our top tips will give you a head-start on this journey. For more advice on road safety, visit [insert a link to the client’s website].
Resources for stats/figures:
https://www.holtsauto.com/holts/news/when-and-where-do-most-accidents-occur-on-britains-roads/
https://www.theroadtripexpert.com/how-frequently-should-you-take-breaks-when-driving-long-distances/#:~:text=When%20driving%20long%20distances%20you,to%20enjoy%20a%20comfortable%20drive