Focus on the basics to improve road safety.

Motorists up and down the country could benefit from developing a thorough understanding of what it takes to be safe when out on the roads.

Driving is a skill individuals should be working to improve throughout their life and therefore here we offer a refresher on some of the basics of road safety that could make all the difference in safeguarding motorists themselves, as well as other road users and members of the public.

Vehicle maintenance is essential

Focusing on the upkeep of one’s means of transport will help to ensure motorists are unlikely to face a breakdown or be involved in an accident due to the failure of an essential part of the vehicle’s workings.

For this reason, car owners should regularly examine a number of areas of their car, as doing so will help to provide peace of mind that everything is running properly and there are no dangerous issues that could lead to an incident.

Regularly check the state of tyres to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, as well as examining tread wear and tear to ensure it remains above the legal minimum of 1.6 mm.

A quick check to ensure this is the case is to insert a 20p piece into the tread of each tyre and looking to see that the band surrounding the coin is obscured. If this is not the case then drivers are advised they could be running an illegal tyre and it should be replaced.

Tread depth is important, as the more wear and tear on a tyre the lower the levels of grip and handling responsiveness that can be drawn upon by the driver.

Meanwhile, ensure brakes are working effectively and are also not overly worn, while all mirrors, windows and the windscreen should be kept clean to provide the best levels of vision for drivers.

Lights and electrical systems should also be regularly tested to ensure they are in good working order, while wheels and wheel fixings should be checked to ensure they are tight and there are no loose bolts or wheel nuts.

Risks on the roads

Some of the biggest risks to road users can be related to an individual’s own behaviour and this means all motorists need to take their responsibilities seriously in order to safeguard their safety and that of those around them.

Speed is one of the biggest issues all drivers need to be aware of, as travelling at excessive speed is one of the main causes of accidents on the UK’s roads.

Distractions can also be a major cause of accidents and therefore anyone taking to the roads should make the effort to focus all of their efforts on the task at hand.  This means turning off mobile phones and other electronic devices, as well as limiting interactions with passengers or children and keeping one’s eyes on the road at all times.

Moreover, fatigue can be a real danger for individuals travelling either early in the morning, late in the day or for extended periods.

As a result, anyone undertaking a long journey should remember to schedule in stops along the way to recharge their batteries and if they feel they are becoming tired at the wheel, drivers should pull over at the nearest safe place to do so and take a break.

The importance of responsible driving

The latest figures published by the Department for Transport for road casualty statistics in the UK show that during the third quarter of 2013 there were more than 1,700 people who lost their lives in road traffic accidents.

Meanwhile, just over 184,000 casualties of all severities were reported for the three-month period, highlighting the considerable risk all road users face.

Despite these potentially shocking statistics, there is reason for a positive outlook, as both the number of deaths and injuries during the quarter were down annually by two and seven per cent respectively.

This shows the message of safer driving is getting through to motorists, but at the same time, more still needs to be done.

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