While the figures for new drivers had taken a severe hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they bounced back significantly in the last year – with around 1.3 million drivers expected to have passed their test in the 2020-21 period. You may be one of those new drivers, and you may be concerned about safety on UK roads.
It is incumbent on you to drive safely, not only to protect yourself and other drivers but also pedestrians and cyclists, whose priority on UK roads has been enshrined by changes to the Highway Code. The following tips can help you keep safe, and keep others safe while you are behind the wheel.
Keep Focused
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and injuries, whether from operating a phone while on the move or even being tired behind the wheel. As such, you should do everything in your power to ensure you are as alert and focused as you can be. It has recently been made illegal for drivers to even handle smart devices while driving a vehicle – including if you are idling or stopped at traffic – but wakefulness is a little more difficult to police. You should take regular breaks whenever driving long distances, and pull over for a rest if you feel even remotely sleepy or fatigued.
Watch Your Speed
Speeding is a serious matter on UK roads, and one which can result in serious punishment if caught by police. Not all speeding is malicious, of course – it can feel natural to speed up a little, especially if you are following the example of other vehicles. One useful way you can adjudicate your speed-related behaviour is through the installation of a black box, which monitors your speed and relays information to your insurance company. Black boxes can help you keep car insurance costs down, providing a monetary incentive for you to watch your speed on top of the punitive one offered by law enforcement.
Do Not Rely On Other Drivers
It can be easy to settle into a false sense of security on UK roads, whether following the flow of busy traffic or working your way through quiet roads. Pat of this false sense of security is the placing of trust in other drivers, from following them through junctions to simply taking the motion of traffic for granted.
However, other drivers should be considered a hazard at all times; indeed, a common lesson for learner motorcycle drivers is to regard every other motorist on the road as an active risk to your safety. This increases your focus, and ensures you are driving deliberately, conscientiously and, above all, safely.
Service Your Car Regularly
Sometimes, despite your best intentions, your car might have other ideas when it comes to road safety. Regardless how safely or conscientiously you are driving, a flat tyre or brake malfunction can cause an inescapable incident.
Keeping your car regularly serviced can mitigate the likelihood of a significant fault or failure occurring while driving, and carrying out some simple checks before you drive can ensure you are ready to go. You should make a habit of checking your tyre pressure before you drive; keeping your windscreen wiper fluid topped up as well as your oil and coolant ensures you won’t be stuck with a dirty windscreen while driving.
