Road safety tips

This page has our top 10 tips for road safety.

1. Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving. Making or receiving a call, even using a 'hands free' phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to an accident.
2. Belt up in the back. In a collision, an unbelted rear passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger.
3. Do not drink and drive. Any alcohol, even a small amount, can impair your driving so be a safe driver don't drink and drive.
4. Slow down. At 35mph you are twice as likely to kill a pedestrian as at 30mph.
5. Look out for children. Children often act impulsively, take extra care outside schools, near buses and ice cream vans when they might be around.
6. Take a break. Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10 percent of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey.
7. Walk safely. When crossing a road always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one nearby. Help others to see you by wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing in poor light conditions.
8. Anticipate. Observe and anticipate other road users and use your mirrors regularly.
9. Use car seats. Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip.
10. Keep your distance . Always keep a two second gap between you and the car in front.