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Dial's Tips on Safer Driving
Seatbelts
- over 2,200 lives are saved every year by wearing a seatbelt,
but many people still fail to ‘belt up’ in the back.
However, in a crash at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, you will
hit the front seat, and anyone in it, with a force of between 30
and 60 times your own body weight. Not only that, but if you are
injured, compensation for personal injury would be reduced, as
it is viewed as contributory negligence.
Mobiles -
if you must use your ‘phone, stop and park in safe place.
It is now illegal to use a hand-held mobile ‘phone while
driving. Do not be tempted to text or talk - Not only will you
be fined and incur points on your licence, research shows that
motorists’ driving skills decrease if they are talking on
the ‘phone.
Awareness
- be aware of your surroundings and anything that may affect your
driving. e.g. in adverse weather, leave a good distance between
yourself and the vehicle in front – tyres have less grip
on wet or icy roads; take extra special care at roadworks; do not
eat, drink or read road maps while driving - you are not in full
control of your vehicle. And try to avoid driving when stressed
or angry.
Restrict speed
- speed cameras and speed limits aren’t there to ‘catch’ you
out, they have been set for a reason - perhaps you are approaching
roadworks or the segment of road is an accident hotspot. And, if
visibility is reduced, restrict your speed.
Tiredness
- driving when you are tired increases your accident risk. Stop
and take regular breaks, take a nap if you can. Try to avoid driving
between midnight-6am and between 2pm-4pm - this is when your 'body
clock' is in a daily trough. If you are on medication that makes
you feel drowsy, don’t drive. Bear in mind causing an accident
as a result of falling asleep at the wheel is a serious offence – the
recent Selby train disaster led to the conviction of the car driver
for dangerous driving and manslaughter.
Europe – drive
on the right, stick to speed limits and remember to wear your seatbelt.
Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or
restaurants on the left side of the road. When overtaking, allow
more space between you and the car in front so you can see further
down the road ahead.
Roadworthy – ensure
your car is roadworthy. Tyres, oil and water levels need weekly
checks and your car should be serviced regularly by a good mechanic.
Ensure you have the ‘basics’ you need in the vehicle
to cover accidents or vehicle breakdown etc, such as carrying
a spare tyre and warm clothing.
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