Road Safety Week – Safe Driving Tips

It was reported that a total of 1,784 people were killed in reported road traffic accidents in Great Britain in 2018, which is why weeks such as Road Safety Week are here. 

Organised by Brake, the Road Safety Charity, Road Safety Week takes place in November. This year Road Safety Week will be running between the 16th and 22nd November focusing on the theme of ‘No Need to Speed’.

In honour of this, we will be sharing some safe driving tips that every driver can benefit from – so keep reading to see what’s on our list.

Don’t be an angry driver

We have all probably encountered road rage at least once in our lives, but It's important to not become an angry driver. According to 2016 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety statistics, 80 per cent of drivers surveyed admitted to expressing anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel.

Angry or competitive driving can lead to speeding or aggressive driving which can ultimately result in a crash. 

Don’t be a distracted driver

Distractions can stem from loud music, passenger conversations, eating/drinking or mobile phone use. When driving – keep your attention on the road, turn down the radio if you feel like it’s taking your focus away. You should also avoid driving if you feel sleepy, as this can, as a result, lead to you being a distracted and distant driver which can cause an accident.

Check your vehicle

Even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong with your vehicle, it is important to carry out regular vehicle maintenance checks. Preventing a problem before it arises can save you money, time and will keep other drivers safe. These checks should especially be carried out before a long journey.

The checks you should carry out regularly are:

• Headlights and indicators
• Tyre tread depth and pressures
• All fluid levels including oil and water

This Road Safety Week, take the time to reflect on whether you are driving as safely as possible. Collisions are still a massive problem within the UK and we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe. At PF Jones, we stock safety accessories such as mirrors and lights – which you can shop here.