Tips for safe driving
There are a number of points to take note of before and during your journey that will help you and your passengers to arrive at your destination safe and sound.
The following good driving habits are mostly common sense but some are law.
Driving when tired
Driving when you are tired can be as dangerous as drink driving. If you are going on a long journey you should plan to have a 15-minute break every 2 hours. If you ever feel tired during a journey pull over in a rest zone and have a break and something to eat.
Wear seat belts
Get into the habit of not starting a car unless your seatbelt is on. It is dangerous to believe that wearing a seatbelt is a hassle.
Stopping to eat
Do not eat while driving. It can cause you to lose your concentration and reduce your reaction time.
A study showed that while drivers tended to slow down while consuming food, they were twice as likely to be in an accident. Stop to eat, and you can use the time to freshen up.
Only Use the Middle Lane for Overtaking
Many accidents occur on motorways are caused by drivers clogging up the middle lane. Stay to the left and only use the middle lanes for overtaking purposes.
Never Drink & Drive
This should be a given, you should under no circumstances ever drink and drive. Driving after drinking reduces your reaction time and will make you a threat to yourself and to others.
The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Over 3000 people are killed or seriously injured every year due to drink driving collisions.
Don't talk on a mobile
Talking on a mobile phone can distract you from the task of driving. It is now illegal to use your phone if you hold the phone at any point during its use.
Although hands-free kits are legal if you do not have to touch the phone, we still recommend that you pull over to a safe location whenever you need to make or receive a call.
