This week is Road Safety Week (16-22 November) and we wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about why being aware of the simple actions you can take to maximise your safety when you’re out on the road is vital.
Wearing your seatbelt for example is something most of us do instinctively. However, there are times when people think that they don’t need to wear their seatbelt as they are only undertaking a short journey in the car.
The harsh reality is that in a crash, you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t wear a seat belt. This is according to the THINK! the UK government’s designated road safety campaign.
Not everyone involved in a road traffic collision while not wearing their seatbelt is killed, as Lincolnshire paramedic Nic Haywood explains while recalling an incident she responded to while on duty.
As we head into winter and experience more severe weather, we are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads and follow some simple safety advice to avoid needing a trip in an ambulance.
Top 10 tips
- Don’t put yourself or others at risk by rushing – nothing is more important than your life or health, so take your time when driving in poor weather conditions.
- When driving, keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Put your vehicle lights on in poor conditions.
- Make sure your windscreen is fully clear of ice and snow before setting off
- Regularly check the condition of your vehicle, particularly your tyres. They need at least 3mm of tread.
- Plan your route and stay on major roads as much as possible if it is icy.
- Keep a blanket, sturdy boots, some water and food in the car in case of breakdown or emergency.
- If your vehicle begins to aquaplane in heavy rain, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down.
- Do not try to drive through puddles deeper than the bottom of your car doors.
- Keep an eye on the weather reports and during extreme weather please listen to advice to only travel when necessary
