Drivers

Top ten tips for drivers

1. Don't use your mobile phone whilst driving
   Making or receiving a call, even using a hands-free mobile phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to a collision. 
2. Belt them up in the back
   In a collision, an unbelted rear seat passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger. Insist that your passengers belt up in the back.
3. Don't 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 someone you hit as at 30mph. Slow down in residential areas.
5. Children
   Children often act impulsively so take extra care outside schools, close to parks, 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% of road collisions. Plan to stop for at least a 15-minute break every 2 hours on a long journey.
7. Look out for motorcycles
   Watch out for bikers, especially when pulling out of a junction. Observe and anticipate other road users, use your mirrors regularly and don't forget to glance into your blind area before altering your course.
8. Use child seats
   Child and baby seats must be fitted properly and checked before every trip.
9. Keep your distance
   Always keep a two second gap between you and the car in front.
10. Always wear your seatbelt
    Wear your seatbelt even on the shortest journeys

Improve your driving by taking Advanced Driver training

This page was last updated on 4 November 2009