Road Safety Week aims to inspire thousands of people to take action on road safety and promote life-saving messages. This year’s theme decided by Brake is “road safety hero”. Road Safety Week 2021 aims to celebrate the professionals who are working to make roads safer for everyone – from road designers to emergency services.
Here are some tips to help keep you and others safe on the roads.
Vehicle Safety
As a driver it is important to always make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. This should be done more regularly than just an annual MOT or service. These basic safety checks can help you have a safer journey.
Fuel:
Always maintaining your tank is at least one quarter full to avoid running out on your journey. Failing to do so can lead to a fixed penalty in some locations as the breakdown as foreseeable.
Tyres:
Your tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and road, so these should be checked regularly. The minimum legal permitted tread depth is 1.6mm but it is recommended to replace your tyres when they reach 3mm. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tyres can adversely affect your braking distance, steering and fuel efficiency. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly.
Lights:
Lights should be checked regularly, and bulbs should be replaced as necessary.
Engine Oil:
Having the correct oil level is essential as this cleans, cools and protects the engine, preventing it from seizing and your car breaking down.
Water:
It is essential to keep your screen wash reservoir topped up. Driving with a dirty or smeared windscreen can be dangerous.
Driver Safety
Road safety ultimately comes down to the driver obeying the law requirements. Things like, not using a mobile, not drinking and driving, not driving faster than the speed limit, can all make a positive difference for a safer driving experience for all.
It’s important we aim to be safer drivers, as we are responsible for keeping ourselves and other road users safe. By simply obeying the rules of the road, we save lives. Find out more information on road safety laws at https://www.think.gov.uk/road-safety-laws/
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