Safety Tips
Not-So-Common Sense
Following are some practical ideas to enhance your driving experience - and make it safer!
- You can spare yourself a lot of anxiety by being prepared. A mobile phone is almost essential these days, whether to phone for help, report a problem or let someone know a change in your plans. A first aid kit is also essential and could be useful in the event of an accident. Keep a torch in the glove box for night time emergencies. In the boot, a small tool kit can be handy. Your tyre pressure gauge should always be ready in the glove box. The vehicle owner's manual is also important to have around; for example if you needed to check jacking points
- Let someone know where you're travelling, and when you expect to arrive. Allow plenty of time to travel - speed and frustration cause accidents
- Be careful where you park, and try to ensure the location is well lit at night
- Road rage is on the increase. Don't be tempted to express anger by tooting, making rude gestures, yelling out the window or flashing your high beam. As well as being immature, it's asking for trouble!
- 'Tailgating' is dangerous and unnecessary, so don't do it. If someone is tailgating you, don't hit the brakes - get out of their way and let them be a nuisance somewhere else
- In wet weather slow down, drive according to the conditions. The level of wet road grip of a tyre is related to the speed of the vehicle, the condition of the road, and the level of tyre wear. It's better to arrive late and alive than not at all.
- Wearing a seatbelt is not just a legal requirement, it saves lives
- Unsecured items within the vehicle cabin can become lethal projectiles in the event of an accident. This includes family pets
- Children should always be in approved child restraints appropriate to their age and size
- Stop and check your vehicle if you notice any of the following while you are driving: -
- a warning light on the dashboard remaining on
- any unusual vibrations or noises
- a high temperature reading on the temperature gauge
- the vehicle wanders or steers to one side
- unusual vehicle handling when braking