Government road traffic accident statistics reveal that, in the year ending June 2023, 29,429 deaths or serious injuries were attributed to road traffic accidents. That number was 1% lower than for the previous 12 month period, but that is a tiny reduction and the number of casualties remains shockingly high.
We can't foresee or avoid every random circumstance that may occur, nor can we predict the behaviour of others, but by using common sense and paying attention to our driving we can reduce the risk of being involved in an accident and adding to this tragic statistic.
We've collected road safety tips from far and wide in the hope that it may help, even a little. We all need reminding sometimes.
Health and fitness
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Don't drive when tired
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Take breaks
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Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
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Don't drive when ill or medically unfit
You may be fined £1000 if you fail to notify DVLA of a medical condition that may affect your fitness to drive. The government publishes a list of conditions along with guidance stating whether or not sufferers must inform DVLA.
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Check paperwork for your medication
The leaflets accompanying some medication will state that the patient should not drive while taking it. Doing so is dangerous and could invalidate an insurance claim in the event of an accident.
General reminders for safer driving
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Don't use mobile devices or distracting items when driving
In addition to the obvious safety implications, you will be asking for a fine and points on your licence.
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Don't eat or drink while driving
Hot tea or coffee spilt into one's lap is a guaranteed distraction from driving. Dropping bottles, cans or other items can interfere with the operation of the car's pedals. Park safely before eating and drinking.
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Keep your distance
Always allow a safe stopping distance between you and other road users. Do not "tailgate" the vehicle in front.
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Use rear seatbelts
Use of rear seatbelts (where fitted) is compulsory under law unless the passenger has a medical exemption.
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Use mirrors and lights
A simple rule: see and be seen
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Slow down
Even small reductions in speed can make huge reductions in the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. Of course, slower driving also reduces the likelihood of an accident happening in the first place.
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Resist road rage
Losing your temper when driving can distract you from other hazards and can prompt unsafe driving. There is also the potential for confrontation and conflict.
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Don't leave it late to visit the bathroom
If you need a comfort break, stop at the first service station you reach. Don't delay as urgency can distract and prompt one to drive too fast in search of facilities.
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Stay out of large vehicles' blind spots
Whether you're in a car, on a motorbike or bicycle or on foot, stay away from anywhere that prevents the driver knowing that you are near. Lives are lost every year due to blind spots.
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Don't accelerate to beat the traffic lights
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Give other road users the space they need
Be particularly considerate to horses and other vulnerable road users.
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Don't do sudden random things that confuse other drivers
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Don't stop in unsafe places
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Drive in the correct lane
Stay left on motorways. The right-hand lanes are for passing, not for cruising in.
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Don't use cruise control on wet roads
Automated driving aids don't always respond perfectly to difficult driving conditions. Potential emergency situations like skids and aquaplaning are best handled by an alert human driver.
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Defrost/de-mist windows before you start driving
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Test brakes after driving through water
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Remember to drive appropriately for the conditions
Preparation and maintenance
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Make sure your car is safe and fit to drive
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Avoid frustration and the need to rush by planning journeys
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Don't drive in inappropriate clothing or shoes
Platform soles, stiletto heels or your favourite R2D2 cosplay gear are not safe for driving and can get you into trouble with the police.
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Top up your screen wash
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Keep windscreen scrapers and cleaning cloths in your car
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Keep mirrors and lights clean
Driving in the dark
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Drive with dipped headlights
Don't dazzle oncoming traffic.
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Make sure your headlights are set correctly
Setting your headlight angle too high can be almost as bad as driving at oncoming traffic with full beam on.
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Don't look directly at the headlights of oncoming vehicles
This will ruin your night vision and can blind you to the road ahead.
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Use full beam - responsibly
On rural and unlit roads especially, illuminate the way as well as you can without dazzling others.
Awareness of Hazards
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Be alert for tiredness in other drivers
Don't drive too close to cars that seem to drift or otherwise move erratically.
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Anticipate hazards such as pedestrians in the road, bends, traffic emerging from inconspicuous junctions etc
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Be alert for horses and wildlife on rural roads
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Other people may not drive well, even if you do
Don't always assume that no indicators mean the other guy is going straight on, or that another driver is going to respect your priority at junctions etc. Be alert.
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Learn "defensive driving"
Defensive driving is a set of skills and tactics that enables you to be more prepared for unexpected conditions and events, and enables you to drive more safely in general. Courses are available in most areas.
In case of emergencies, accidents and breakdowns
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Use hazard lights correctly
Hazard lights are what they say: they are there to alert other road users to a hazard such as you obstructing the carriageway due to breakdown, or if traffic ahead is suddenly slowing abruptly and you want to give advance warning to the vehicles behind you. Hazard lights are not for thanking the lady who stopped to let you pull out of the supermarket car park.
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Don't put yourself or others at risk
Don't stay with an immobilised vehicle if it is not safe to do so. If you break down on a corner, call for assistance then walk back and (from a safe point) alert approaching traffic to the imminent hazard that they may not see. If you have a warning triangle or beacon, use it. Carry a high-visibility vest in your vehicle and use it if you break down.
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Learn how to mitigate skids
Drive slowly in slippery conditions. If your car does begin to skid, do not brake hard. Steer gently in the direction of the skid and then carefully straighten the wheel when you have regained control.
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If you break down on a motorway
National Highways publishes the following guidance:
- Put your left indicators on
- Move into the left lane
- Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder
- Put your hazard lights on
- Get behind a safety barrier where there is one, and it is safe to do so - keep well away from moving traffic
- Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider for help
