Road Safety Week 2021: 5 Tips for Driving Safely This Winter

Created by Brake, the UK based charity, Road Safety Week aims to raise awareness about road safety and encourages others to take action to prevent accidents on our roads. 

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Road safety heroes’, appreciating the professionals working within road safety, who prevent and support road traffic casualties.

We can all play a part in creating safer roads and preventing unavoidable deaths and casualties. As the roads become busier after lockdown restrictions and winter rolls in, the likelihood of accidents increases and driving sensibly is ever more important.

We have compiled tips which, if followed, will make our roads safer for everyone this winter.

1. Plan your route and leave ample time

Researching your journey beforehand leads to a much safer drive. By knowing your destination and route, you avoid the need to reconfigure your SatNav while driving or perform riskier manoeuvres when lost.

It’s also useful to plan for traffic and leave early which reduces the urge to speed or drive too fast for the conditions, whether it be icy, foggy or rainy. This simple bit of research can be performed in just 5 minutes before a journey and can make the roads safer for all users.

2. Make the most of your cars safety systems

New and modern cars now come with extensive safety technology which makes driving easier and safer. These can include features such as Lane-Keeping Systems, Blind Spot Information Systems, Pre Collision Assist and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive systems.

Car manufacturers are becoming ‘road safety heroes’ themselves with the innovative technology and safety testing that is now essential for new models. But whilst cars are getting safer, drivers still need to utilise these systems and drive responsibly.

3. Bring the essentials with you

There are a few essentials you should keep in your car when you're driving, particularly when dealing with breakdowns in cold, dark and icy conditions. Here’s an idea of a useful emergency kit to keep in your car this winter:

• Ice scraper & De-icer
• Torch & batteries
• Shovel
• Warning triangle
• Warm blanket
• Phone charger or power bank
• Bottle of water

No matter how safely you drive, it’s possible that extreme conditions cause you to get stuck. This kit ensures you can remain warm, safe and able to contact relatives or emergency services in this situation.

4. Drive with respect and consideration

No matter how important your journey, driving with respect to all other road users makes roads a much safer place. All drivers are aiming to reach a destination and deserve to do so safely and with respect from other road users.

This winter, it is likely the number of commuters on the road will increase after the lockdown measures. This also includes cyclists, the presence of which have increased since 2020 on UK roads. With commutes mostly taking place in the dark at this time of year, providing respectful distances is vital.

5. Check your vehicle condition

One of the most important tips for driving safely is ensuring your car is in good working condition. Servicing your car regularly in line with manufacturer recommendations is essential to avoid accidents caused by vehicle faults.

However, there are also other checks that should be undertaken regularly, particularly before long journeys:

• All fluid levels including oil and water are at the correct levels
• Tyre tread depth and pressures are within the legal limits
• Headlights and indicators all work and are as bright as required

At this time of year, a winter service on your vehicle may be necessary. This provides assurance that your vehicle is in top condition to battle the harsh conditions that a UK winter brings!

Follow these safe driving tips and stay safe this winter.

Visit https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week to learn more about road safety week 2021 and how you can get involved!