Being involved in an accident is every driver’s worst nightmare, and something we all hope will never happen.
However, no matter how confident you are at the wheel, there’s always a risk when you’re driving and even the best drivers can make mistakes.
That’s why we’ve put together five tips on how to drive more safely.
The Three-Second Rule
You don’t want to be too close to the car in front, particularly when driving on the motorway as if they need to brake hard, this could cause a crash. By sticking to the three-second rule, you can make sure you’re travelling at a safe distance.
To judge the minimum safe distance, choose an object on the side of the road, like a lamppost or a tree, and when the car in front passes that object, begin counting the seconds. It shouldn’t be less than three seconds before you pass the same object. If there are chevrons on the road – make sure you are at least two chevrons behind the car in front.
Never Drink and Drive
It sounds obvious, and we all know we shouldn’t drive after drinking, but it’s worth repeating as even a single drink can affect your judgement and slow your reaction time.
Alcohol consumption can blur your vision and slow your reaction time, and even if you’re not involved in an accident it can land you with a £2,500 fine, a prison sentence, or a driving ban. To put it simply, it’s never worth the risk.
Be Wary of Treacherous Conditions
Bad weather can strike at any time, and it’s important to be prepared.
Remember to check the forecast before any long journeys and prepare accordingly. Give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing and remain alert at all times. Poor weather conditions can restrict your visibility and increase your braking distance, so it’s important to bear this in mind.
Unanticipated changes in the weather can be hazardous. A sudden sunny spell on a rainy day can cause glare off the wet road, potentially dazzling drivers and making it harder to see road markings, so keep your sunglasses handy and bear in mind that other drivers’ visibility may be reduced too.
Drive Like Everyone Else is an Idiot
When you’re on the road, don’t assume everyone is as sensible as you. There’s a reason why driving instructors often advise students to drive like everyone else is an idiot!
Stay wary of other motorists and keep an eye out for any dangerous driving from fellow road users.
A few things to look out for are failure to use indicators, sudden stops or changing of lanes, speeding and swerving.
Keep Your Car in Check
It’s always advisable to check your car to make sure everything is in working order, especially before a long journey or driving on themotorway.
Staying on top of your car’s maintenance can drastically reduce the chance of a problem whilst driving. Not only that, but it could help you to avoid any unwelcome fines or mechanic charges.
The main parts components to check regularly are your brakes, lights and oil levels, as well as the air pressure and tread of your tyres. Be sure to have your manual handy to refer to when it comes to the correct tyre pressure and tread. A handy tip is to put a 20p coin in the tread. If you can see the border of the coin then your tyres will need to be replaced!
Whilst there’s no way to eliminate the risk of being involved in an accident, we hope these tips will help to keep you and your fellow motorists safe on the roads.
Images: ©iStock.com/CHRISsadowski and ©iStock.com/simonkr