Wear Your Seatbelt

As the driver, it’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone in your car is wearing their seatbelt - especially the driver and those who are sitting in the back. In the event of a collision, a passenger sitting in the back without their seatbelt on could cause serious or even fatal injury to the driver or front passenger, as well as themselves.

Slow Down for Amber Lights

If a light turns to amber as you approach it, don’t see this as a challenge to speed up and make it through the lights. Instead, be prepared to stop and wait. It’s not worth risking running a red light as, even if you don’t end up in a serious collision, you can be fined and receive points on your licence for this dangerous act.

Stay Alert

Keeping your eyes focused on the road and regularly checking your mirrors will help you to notice any potential hazards or risks early. Always be thinking about surrounding road users and what their next move may be.

If you start to get tired whilst driving or are struggling to concentrate for whatever reason, make sure you pull over somewhere safe to rest, defer your journey, or use public transport instead.

Leave Some Space

Make sure that there is plenty of space between you and other road users. Avoid driving too closely to the rear of another vehicle, as if they break quickly this can easily result in an accident if you are unable to react quick enough.

It’s advised that you leave around two seconds worth of space between you and the next vehicle, or four seconds in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, or snow, to allow enough braking time.

Stick to Speed Limits

Speed limits are there for a reason. Remember to adhere to the given speed limits at all times, as they will help you make necessary adjustments for things such as dips in the road and approaching junctions.

Also, speed limits can change when there are road works or accidents nearby, so keep your eyes on the signs and look out for any changes.

Take your Time

By giving yourself plenty of time for your journey, you won’t be tempted to speed or have your mind elsewhere if you are running late and are stressed about making it to your destination on time. Instead, set off 10 minutes before you need to allow for general traffic and delays. On days where you expect there to be more traffic, allow even more time for your travel.

Don’t Use Your Phone

It might seem obvious, but you shouldn’t use your phone whilst driving. It’s against the law due to it being a huge distraction from your concentration on the roads.

Using a hands-free device might seem like a valid solution, but can also cause distractions, so the best possible solution would be to switch your phone off whilst driving and have your full focus on the road.

Stick With Your Radio Station

Avoid flicking through radio stations or your playlists to find songs that you like as this will require you to take a hand off the wheel and divert your attention. Instead, ask your passenger to do this for you if you have one, or, if you are driving alone, create a playlist that you are happy with before you set off.

Remember to keep the music to an acceptable level so that you can still hear the surroundings that might catch you off guard, such as a quickly approaching ambulance.