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31st March 2020

Five tips for safer driving

Whether it is the daily commute or a long drive for a weekend away it goes without saying that we should all take care every time we drive. Unfortunately, not everyone does drive as safely as they should every single time they get in the car. If everyone made a conscious effort to make each journey a safe one our roads would be safer and accidents would be reduced significantly.

driving safely

Here are five tips for safer driving which we should all consider every time we drive.

Driving safely

Stay alert and focused

Probably the single most important tip for any driver to take onboard is to concentrate. Avoid driving when tired, as being tired makes it hard to concentrate effectively. Being dehydrated or hungry can also have an impact on concentration levels so make sure you are fed and watered. Keep distractions to a minimum, don’t play the radio too loud, put your phone on silent and try to focus on driving without worrying about other things.

Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by passengers or other external factors. Rubber necking can be a cause of accidents so stay focused on your journey and not an accident on the other side of the carriageway.

Watch your speed

Life is busy, we all find ourselves rushing around without even thinking about it but when behind the wheel it is time to slow down and be patient.

Speeding to your next destination probably won’t get you there much quicker and could result in a fine and points on your licence, or worse still an accident. Speed limits are there for a reason and are usually a good guide, but it’s also important to factor in the weather and road conditions and drive accordingly, this might mean well below the speed limit if visibility is poor and roads are water logged.

Be predictable and considerate

Being predictable and following the rules will help other drivers to understand what you are doing. Avoid sudden movements, stopping unexpectedly and changing lanes unnecessarily.  Be considerate of other road users and yield to other drivers when they have the right of way.

Take care of your car

Safety on the road isn’t just about the actions of the driver. The car plays a crucial road in keeping its driver, passengers and other road users safe. Taking care of a vehicle and carrying out regular checks to ensure it is roadworthy is crucial. Check tyre pressures and tread, oil and water levels as well as making sure lights are working. Never ignore warning lights and always wear a seat belt.

Plan your journey

If you know where you are going and it is a route you take regularly then you will know the road layout, what to expect from other drivers and where there are any danger spots such as junctions with poor visibility.  If you are embarking on a trip which is unfamiliar then planning your route can help to make it a safer journey.

Sat nav systems are invaluable but it is important not to let them distract from reading the road ahead and paying close attention to other road users. Before heading off on a new journey familiarise yourself with the route, check traffic alerts in case there are roadworks or diversions and, on longer journeys, consider where you might stop for rest breaks.

These are just a few tips for safer motoring, of course there are so many things that drivers can do to make our roads safer for themselves and all road users. For more driving and motoring advice, news and information follow SMF on social media.