Driver safety: 5 Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads

It’s estimated that over 1.3 million people worldwide are killed on our roads each year, so road safety is something that we should all take seriously.

By following some, if not all, of these recommendations, you could minimize the risk of being involved in a road traffic accident. Here are 5 tips for staying safe on the roads.

Wear the correct attire

If you travel by motorcycle or bicycle, wearing a helmet is crucial. If you are hit by another vehicle or collide with a pedestrian, your head in particular needs to be protected. An impact could cause long term problems or could even prove fatal, so regardless of the length of your journey, don’t venture out without a suitable helmet.

If you ride a motorcycle, leathers will help to protect your body, so they are another worthwhile investment.

Vehicle maintenance

It’s recommended that motor vehicles are serviced at least once a year. This ensures that any parts that are no longer working to their optimum levels can be replaced or fixed.

During a service, various elements will be checked and tested, including your engine, brakes, and oil levels. This will help to minimize the risk of something happening to your vehicle whilst on the road, which could put you and other road users in danger.Note the service anniversary date in your calendar and make sure that you arrange your service in advance.

Adequate insurance

If you drive a motor vehicle of any kind, insurance is essential. If you don’t have adequate or valid cover you can be fined or even charged, so make sure you have the correct insurance in place.

If you are in an accident and are at fault, the other parties involved could contact a car accident attorney to pursue a claim against you. This could result in costly legal fees as well and hefty compensation payouts.

An insurance policy may cover you for expenses, legal fees, and any other costs incurred, so if you haven’t checked your cover recently, it’s worth doing so.

Check the weather forecast

It’s a good idea to check local weather conditions before setting off on your journey. Adverse weather is a common cause of accidents, so if you know what you are contending with, it could reduce the risks.

If driving in winter or very wet conditions, make sure your tire treads are not worn out and change to winter tires where necessary.

Avoid distraction

Being distracted is a common cause of road traffic accidents. Although mobile phones may be very handy, they are also very dangerous, so don’t be tempted to use one while driving.

When planning a journey, leave ample time so you aren’t rushing around. Being late can result in faster driving and losing focus, so if you have to be somewhere for a certain time, pre-prepare your route, plan your journey time, and drive at a safe speed. It’s better to arrive late than not arrive at all.