Road safety advice

1. Safe driving tips

Eyesight

Eyesight can get worse at any time and can not only affect driving skills directly, but also can result in tiredness.

www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

Mobile Phones

Using a mobile phone, sat nav or any similar device whilst driving means that the driver’s attention is distracted from the road. Studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at reacting to hazards. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html
https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

Seat Belts

Always wear a seatbelt. In a crash you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t. Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision even on short, familiar journeys and at low speeds. Wear your seatbelt correctly so it can offer you the best possible protection in a crash.

http://think.direct.gov.uk/seat-belts.html
https://www.gov.uk/seat-belts-law/overview

Child car seats – the law. Follow this link for information on using a child car seat or booster seat when carrying children. www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

Stopping Distances

Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic.

The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.

Download ‘Typical stopping distances’ (PDF, 124KB)