Tips To Stay Safe Whilst Driving
Last Updated on: 13th July 2023, 07:09 am
With the rise in car accidents out there, it is always good to have a little reminder on how to stay safe whilst driving. Having been in a car accident in The Netherlands a few years ago, I can tell you it is scary.
Using Mobile Phones Whilst Driving
I was in an accident that happened because the other driver was sending a WhatsApp message. Guys, don’t even take your eyes off the road to answer the phone. It’s really not worth the risk and if you get caught it will be a £60 fine and 3 points on your licence. But if you go to court, it can be up to a £1000 fine. Nobody is ever that important enough to answer the phone when you’re driving.
Decent Tyres Help You Stay Safe Whilst Driving
What condition is yours in? Maybe it’s time to check them and get new ones. Legally your tyre tread needs to be 1.6 mm in size. Sizing doesn’t mean much to me when you talk about it, but if you pop a 20p into the tyre like this, and the 20p numbers are nearly covered, then your tyres are safe. Without the proper tread on your tyres, you don’t have much chance of stopping in time if you’re in an accident. This can cause further damage to yourself and your car. Get your tyres fitted professionally, this way you can ensure they are safe and you can drive around with the confidence that someone else has done them for you.
Drinking And Driving
I think we have all had this drummed into us, from such a young age and we have all seen images of the devastation that can be caused by a driver that is under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol impairs your ability to judge things and where you would normally stop in time of an accident, you will find that you can’t stop in time of an accident. You could even be the cause of an accident
Beware Of Ice And Snow To Stay Safe Whilst Driving
I do not know how often I see this in the winter. People don’t bother to remove the snow and ice from their cars. This can easily fall down onto your windscreen as you drive and block your view. It’s an accident waiting to happen!
Knowing Basic Car Maintenance Will Help You Stay Safe Whilst Driving
Having a car is all fine and dandy, but do you know what to do if your car breaks down or if you run out of oil, then you are putting yourself at risk. Do you know how to check your oil? Have you got a toolkit in your car? Regularly check your lights, windscreen wash and water. Check the windscreen for chips and get them repaired straight away. Knowing your basic car maintenance could help you in an accident or a breakdown. You also need to keep it clean, so it is visible to other drivers
Carry Basic Car Safety Equipment
In European countries, it is the law to carry a Hight Vis jacket for every person in the car, even children, a warning triangle for the event of a breakdown or accident and a first aid kit. It could help if you carry these in the UK too. I have been in a breakdown on the motorway before, the high-vis jackets would have been a great idea. A blanket is a good idea to carry as well as bottles of water if you’re travelling on a hot day.
Make Sure Your Kid Is In A Car Seat Or At Least Buckled Up
I always make sure Tilly has buckled in a seat belt anyway. even if it’s to go around the corner. You never know when there could be an accident. We were lucky in our accident, Tilly had seat belt bruising, but those bruises are proof that a seat belt saved her life. Always make sure you wear a seat belt too.
If you’re a driver, please make sure you travel safely especially if you travel with children. Even if you don’t travel with kids, think about kids in other cars that could be in danger if you don’t drive safely.
