Road safety is something that affects everyone. Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, another road user, or a pedestrian, how people use the roads could have a big impact on your life in a negative and potentially life-changing way.
This is why it’s important for you to learn how to be safer on the roads so that accidents, although always still possible, are much less probable. Read on for some useful tips that will help you.
Have A Good Car
Something that can help a lot when it comes to road safety is having the right car. Some cars are simply inherently safer than others, so it’s worth looking into this before you buy a vehicle. Make sure you have chosen one that has a good safety rating.
Second hand cars can be a great investment due to being such good value for money, but the older the car, the less likely it is you will have all the modern safety devices installed. Speak to your dealer about what options the car has and how to add them if need be. Older cars can be very safe, but having some extra help certainly won’t hurt.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Keeping your car well maintained once you have bought it is also crucial when it comes to road safety. If you don’t take care of your car, you might find that it starts to fail you when you’re driving. Your brakes might take longer to stop the car, which of course, is dangerous, or the engine might suddenly stop, which can easily cause an accident. A poorly maintained car might also have issues with its computer, and you might not get the warning lights you need to know there is a problem, or perhaps the speedometer could be wrong. Any number of problems can occur, especially in newer cars that rely so much on technology.
If you have your car serviced regularly and check the engine, oil, and water before each long journey, you’ll find the car – and, therefore, your driving – is much better.
Adjust To The Weather Conditions
Driving on a beautiful sunny day is a lot different from driving on a rainy one or a snowy one, or a windy one. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of this, and they drive in the same way, no matter what the weather might be. This means that they will often go too fast and not pay careful attention to the road when the weather is bad.
If you want to be as safe as possible on the roads when you’re driving, you need to adjust your driving style to the weather conditions. If it’s raining or snowing, for example, the road is going to be slippery, and your vision will be restricted. Drive more slowly and take care when turning, and this can save a big accident.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
Even if you are very careful, accidents can still happen, so it’s wise to be prepared for emergencies, just in case. Make sure you keep blankets, spare clothing, a flashlight, snacks and water, a first aid kit, and a phone charger in your car at all times.
If something did happen, you would be able to keep everyone safe while you wait for help with these things in your trunk.
Therese has completed the ‘Advanced Child Car Seat Training Course’ at TRL (Transport Research Lab) and is a CPD accredited car seat expert. She blogs about in-car safety, car seats, tips, reviews, giveaways and advice. She’s a mum on a mission to change the law and raise awareness. She is also a breastfeeding advocate and gentle parenting promoter who loves cloth nappies, baby-wearing, BLW and co-sleeping/bed-sharing.