Road safety advice

Eyesight

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

As standard, drivers should be be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate from 20 metres.

View the driving eyesight rules.

Mobile phones

It's illegal to use a mobile phone, sat nav or any similar device whilst driving without a hands-free device. 

Find out more about using a phone or a sat nav when driving.

Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

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.

If you're travelling with a child, make sure you understand the law on using a child car seat or booster seat.

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 on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.

Download 'Typical stopping distances' PDF, 1 page, 124KB

Horse riding

Car drivers and horse riders both have a right to use the road.

View The British Horse Society's advice for motorists.