Driving Safety Tips

Motorists need to prioritise safety every time that they are behind the wheel to protect themselves, their passengers, other motorists and other road users. Statistics show that there were 59,980 reported accidents in the UK in 2022 (the real number will be much higher) and there are a number of reasons why these accidents occur that could be prevented with better driving. So, what can you do as a motorist to make the roads safer?

black car seat belt

Be Mindful of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of accidents and it can often be hard to tell when you are too tired to drive. You should always consider your energy levels, avoid driving if you have not slept for a long time and avoid driving late at night if possible. You can stay alert behind the wheel by listening to music, drinking caffeine and opening the windows.

Switch to Contacts

You may also find that switching to contacts if you wear glasses helps. This is so that you do not have to remember to put your glasses on, to provide greater peripheral vision and to avoid issues with reflection in your glasses. You can also get contact lenses with UV filters for protection.

Driving & Mental Health

It is often overlooked, but your mental health should also be considered. If you are driving while upset, angry or even elated, it could take your focus away from the road. There are many important reasons to look after your mental health, including driver safety. It can be something that HGV drivers struggle with as they often spend so long on the road and away from home, so this is something to bear in mind if you are an HGV driver. To improve your mental health, you should spend time with loved ones, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and reach out for support if needed.

Regular Car Maintenance

Sometimes, accidents happen not due to human error but due to a mechanical problem with the car. These are often avoidable with regular maintenance, so you should learn how to perform basic tasks and when they need to be done. A few tasks that you can do yourself include:

– Topping up fluids

– Checking the tyre tread depth

– Checking the tyre pressure

– Replacing spark plugs

– Testing the lights

You also need to keep up with your car’s service schedule and have a reliable garage that you can take the car to.

These are a few of the best steps that you can take as a motorist to protect yourself and others when behind the wheel. Accidents are common on UK roads and many of these could have been prevented if greater care had been taken. Accidents can be life-changing and even fatal, so safety is of paramount importance as a motorist.

Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days
Follow Along
Latest posts by Krystal | Sunny Sweet Days (see all)

Similar Posts