If we all make a small change in how we drive, it will make a big difference in cutting the number of people killed and injured on the road.
 Belt up. You and all passengers. Front and back.
(An unrestrained back seat passenger can kill you by slamming into the back of your head.) Make sure child seats are right for your child's age and weight.
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 Move up head restaints (no lower than the top of your ears.)
Otherwise, you risk a broken neck. Straighten up seats.
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 Slow up in built-up areas.
If you drive at 35mph in a 30mph limit and a child steps out, you could kill or injure them and could go to prison for 10 years. Keep below the limits.
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Wait up on country roads. This is where most drivers die.
Slow down for bends - you don't know what's round them. It could be a horse-rider or tractor. Only overtake if you're totally certain the road's clear. |
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Back up from the vehicle in front. Leave two seconds between you and it. It's your braking space in a crisis.
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 Sober up. Only time gets rid of alcohol - one hour for every unit of alcohol.
Police also test for illegal drugs. Don't drive on medicinal drugs if the label says not to.
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 Buck up. You're not safe to drive if you're stressed, angry or over-excited. Calm down.
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 Wake up. Take a break every two hours on long journeys.
If you push yourself on you'll nod off at the wheel. When you stop, drink caffeine (e.g. coffee) and have a 10-minute snooze if tired. Carry an alarm clock so you wake up.
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 Shut up. Put your phone on message service. Cut down on conversations with passengers. Try not to think about work or your home life. Driving is the most dangerous thing you do. It needs total concentration.
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 Look up. Drivers hit bikers and cyclists because they don't see them.
You are most likely to kill them at a junction or when changing lane.
Look twice. Use your mirrors.
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 Wise up to dangerous conditions. You see less at night, in bad weather and in bright sunshine. Leave more space. Go slower.
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 Check up. Keep your vehicle serviced. Check your lights every week. Check your tyres' tread and pressure every week. If you don't know how, ask your garage.
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 Sharpen up. Get your eyes tested every two years or sooner if you think you have a problem.Wear your glasses or lenses if you need them.
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Pledge to put safety first every time you drive.