If you’re driving on public roads, then you have an ethical and legal duty to maintain your own safety, and that of other people. Doing this is often a matter of developing a few simple habits. But exactly what are they?
Adhere to speed limits
To begin with, it’s vital that you lower your speed. The speed limit is there for a reason, and in suburban areas it’s particularly important, since surprises might lurk around every corner. Think about how long it will take you to stop the vehicle, and adjust your speed accordingly.
According to recent polling, almost three-quarters of British drivers admit to seeing the speed limit as a target, rather than a limit. More than half of respondents report that they often stray above the speed limit or consider it acceptable to do so. By taking the opposite view, you can reduce the likelihood and impact of a collision.
If you’re involved in an accident, then your speed might help to determine whether you were at fault. Whatever the circumstances of the crash, you might seek a legal remedy by consulting with experts in road traffic accident claims.
Avoid distractions while driving
Distraction is an increasingly prevalent problem on British roads. You might find your reaction times slowed down, and your attention compromised, if your attention is on your phone rather than the road ahead of you. Even taking a hands-free call can be distracting.
In fact, even a passenger who distracts you at a key moment can put you at heightened risk of a crash. Make sure that your focus is on the road at all times.
Be extra cautious around vulnerable road users
Certain road users are more vulnerable than others. While you might be protected by an enormous metal shield, the same protection is not afforded to a cyclist, or a horse rider. Make sure that you give vulnerable road users more space, and that you slow down when passing around a horse. The consequences of a high-speed collision, in these instances, might be disastrous.
Stay informed about road safety updates
The rules of the road are constantly evolving, to help protect everyone. As such, it’s a good idea to pay attention to upcoming changes, and to modify your driving behaviour accordingly. For example, you might consider the recent introduction into the Highway Code of a concept called the ‘hierarchy of road users’, which holds that vehicles which pose the greatest risk, like lorries, require the greatest care.
Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy
If your vehicle isn’t fit for the road, then it will be unsafe to drive. In some cases, this might even mean an invalid insurance policy. Make sure that you inflate your tyres, clear your windscreen, and watch out for product recalls.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post