Staying safe on the roads

At the moment, our roads are probably quieter than they’ve ever been. With so many people staying home during the coronavirus outbreak, there aren’t too many getting into their cars.

This means that on average, we should be seeing safer streets. But that isn’t necessarily the case. It just takes one person paying less attention than they should be to cause a car accident.

So when you’re out on the roads, make sure you’re doing all you can to stay safe.

Choosing a safe car

When you’re deciding on a new car, making safety a priority is certainly advisable. You can find out about a vehicle’s safety record online, making it easy to create a shortlist of potential cars. You can do this if you’re buying a new or used car – all you need is the year it was manufactured.

Look at the important safety equipment provided in a vehicle. Look at what kind of airbags it has – are they just in the front or are there side airbags too? Look at the braking system and whether it has a collision warning system. Does it have pedestrian detection and electronic stability control? Also check out whether it has good crash test scores, which could be the difference between life and death. 

Thinking about a car seat

Making sure your kids are safe in the car is always going to be a top priority. If yours are younger, make sure you’re doing the necessary research to find out which car seat is the best within your budget. Don’t rely on advertisers or influencers who have been paid to recommend a product.

Carry out your own research. Ask friends and family which one they used and whether they’d recommend it. Look for independent online reviews and check out the safety records of the companies you’re considering.

Car maintenance

Making sure your car is well maintained will help to ensure your safety on the roads. One of the most important things to check on your vehicle are the tires. They should have enough tread to deal with different weather conditions effectively and should have enough air pressure. If it’s too high or low, it will mean your car can’t grip the road properly, putting you and other drivers at risk.

Make sure you’re regularly checking your oil levels and changing it whenever your car manufacturer recommends. Ensure all your lights work and that your mirrors are positioned in the right way to see your rear and side angles.

Driving defensively

When you want to stay safe on the roads, defensive driving is the best way of doing your bit to prevent accidents. It means you can keep away from other drivers who are potentially making mistakes and causing danger.

Ensure you’re controlling your speed – street speed limits were put in place for a reason. You should also remember that just because a speed limit is in place, it doesn’t mean it’s an appropriate speed for the conditions. Also important is keeping your distance from drivers in front of you. Ensure you leave plenty of space in case you need to stop urgently.

When you’re trying to stay safe on the roads, it’s important to make sure your car is as safe as possible and you’re giving the road your full attention.