Staying safe on the roads is more important than ever before. In the UK, someone is killed or seriously injured on the roads every 17 minutes. With hazards often appearing unexpectedly, it’s important to take as many preventative steps as possible.
From driving techniques to using safety features correctly, we’ve covered four of the most important protective measures for every driver to take.
- Master defensive driving techniques
Defensive driving means doing everything you can to keep yourself and your vehicle away from accidents. It involves:
- Anticipating potential hazards
- Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- Being aware of other road users
- Staying in the correct lane
When you do everything possible to stay prepared for the unexpected, you’re practising defensive driving. This is one of the best ways to pre-empt bad decisions by other drivers and reduce the chances of a collision.
- Use vehicle safety technologies
Modern vehicles come equipped with an array of safety technologies. Knowing how to use these features could make the difference between arriving safely and having an accident on the roads.
They include, but are not limited to:
- Lane assist
- Emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Parking assistance
The increased integration of these technologies is a huge contributing factor to every vehicle’s Euro NCAP safety rating. Enhanced automation often leads to better long-term safety outcomes for families and commuters.
- Meet your legal responsibilities for road safety
In the UK, every driver must adhere to specific obligations to keep driving legally and safely. Speed limits are set on every road in the UK, indicated by road signs and paint on the tarmac. If they break the speed limit and they’re caught by a police-operated camera, drivers risk speeding penalties.
Of course, every driver needs to hold and carry a valid driving licence too. This needs to be the right type for the vehicle being driven. Anyone who hasn’t passed a practical driving test can only have a provisional driving licence. The police always maintain the right to check your licence.
It’s also illegal to use a mobile phone behind the wheel, which can entail six penalty points for new drivers. Safety regulations also make vehicle insurance a legal requirement.
- Protecting yourself financially
Car insurance could prove invaluable if you’re unlucky enough to encounter the attempted theft or vandalism of your vehicle. There are various cover options available, but third-party cover is the minimum legal requirement.
Drivers should seek comprehensive car insurance for every vehicle in the household, carefully selecting the right cover to suit varying experience levels and annual mileage expectations.
Car insurance could help you in unexpected situations. For example, if your windscreen gets cracked by flying debris while you’re driving, your insurer may be able to cover the cost of replacement.
By adhering to legal requirements on the roads and driving in a safe way, you can significantly reduce the chances of running into any serious trouble on the roads. Safe motoring is all about being smart, organised and responsible.
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