Road safety for drivers

In 2005, firefighters in Greater Manchester attended 1,289 road traffic collisions and rescued 281 people, more than we rescued from fires. Accidents aren’t always the result of recklessness or stupidity though and can happen to anyone but you can reduce your chances by slowing down and staying alert.

Top tips for reducing your speed

According to the Government’s road safety campaign, excessive speed is a contributory factor in over 1,000 deaths and over 40,000 injuries every year so stick to the speed limit.
When the sun is shining, the radio is playing loudly or you’re talking to the passenger next to you, it’s easy to be distracted and lose track of your speed. Make sure you check your speedometer regularly – especially when leaving high speed roads.
Think about what makes you speed? Is it keeping up with traffic, overtaking or tailgating? This can help you reduce your speed in future.
If you’re not sure of the speed limit on a road you’re travelling on, look for signs. The sign gives the maximum speed – not the target speed!
If you can’t see a sign, if there are lampposts, assume this means 30 mph until you see a sign that says otherwise.
If children are playing, try not to drive over 20 mph.
When driving at 30 mph, you shouldn’t be in a gear higher than third.
On rural roads, driving at 60 mph can be far too fast – accidents on rural roads can be caused by driving around bends too fast and overtaking in dangerous places.
Slow down when entering villages.
Even driving a small amount above the speed limit can make a difference, especially if you hit a pedestrian.

General road safety tips

Concentrate and drive considerately.
Always leave at least a two second gap between you and the car infront.
Be patient with other drivers – give them time and room. People will make mistakes so be prepared!
Never use your mobile phone when driving – it can distract you and its illegal – if caught you can face three penalty points and a £60 fine.
Never drive if you are tired and if you are driving for a long distance – take a break every two hours.
Never drive if you are ‘under the influence’ of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Only overtake if you’re sure the road is clear and you can do so without breaking the speed limit
Drive more carefully in dangerous road conditions such as snow, heavy rain , ice, fog and glaring sunshine by slowing down, leaving room for the vehicle infront and switching on your headlights if necessary.
Expect to encounter different road users such as cyclists, heavy good vehicles and motorcyclists.
Keep your vehicle safe and road worthy.
Consider taking advanced driver training.

Young drivers
According to the road safety charity, Brake, more than a quarter (29%) of motor vehicle drivers who are killed on the road are 25 or under.

Why does this happen? This can be due to many factors such as:

Lack of experience because they are new drivers.
Having a arrogant or carefree attitude towards driving.
Hazard perception – it can take new drivers up to two seconds longer to react to hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.
Carrying passengers – when travelling with groups of friends, it is easy to get distracted;
Gender – young males are more at risk. In fact, 1 in 3 male drivers aged between 17 and 20 years crash in the first two years after passing their test.

As a young driver, what can I do?
There are several options open to young drivers.

Pass Plus
The Pass Plus scheme helps new drivers improve their skills and widen their driving experience. There is no test, once completed; drivers can obtain reduced insurance premiums from some insurance companies. For more information about Pass Plus visit www.passplus.org.uk.

Driver agreements
Driver agreements are becoming more and more popular. Certain conditions are imposed by the parent regarding the young drivers driving practices within their first year of driving. These can contain restrictions that may reduce the likelihood of a crash such as driving at night, carrying groups of friends, alcohol and drug zero tolerance when driving, speed limit observations, the use of the green ‘P’ plates etc.