Injury Prevention Week – Are you a safe driver?

Ask most people if they are good drivers and the answer will be yes. Yet, thousands of injuries happen every year on UK roads, and many are avoidable.

Taking time to think about others and using common sense is the topic of this week’s Injury Prevention Week. Many drivers could prevent injuries by taking the time to consider other road users.

Research commissioned by personal injury group, APIL found that most people do not think about the safety of others.

APIL says that the failure to look after other people can result in shattered lives, broken families, needless pain, and suffering. All are avoidable.

ROAD USERS

Road safety is a big area where we can all take responsibility and protect others.

Are you a safe driver?

Most people would argue that they are good drivers, but even the best drivers can improve their driving skills, protecting others on the road.

The RAC has produced a checklist of 10 steps for becoming a better driver. How many do you do regularly?

  1. Keep within the speed limit
  1. Adjust your speed in different conditions
  1. Speed up and decelerate smoothly
  1. Use progressive braking, don’t constantly brake
  1. Don’t drive too close to the car in front
  1. Look ahead – concentrate on the vehicle in front
  1. Use headlights appropriately
  1. Stay alert in towns and cities
  1. Remove distractions – mobile phones, satnavs
  1. Treat driving with respect 

HIGHWAY CODE

The government announced last week that it was updating the Highway Code. If follows a consultation involving drivers, motoring groups, and transport organisations.

The aim of the updated Code is to improve the safety of walkers and cyclists.

The update includes:

  • Clearer advice on where to stop in an emergency
  • The importance of not driving in a lane closed by a Red X
  • The use of variable speed limits to manage congestion updated
  • Guidance on factors that contribute to safety-related incidents. Including driving while tired, unroadworthy vehicles, safe towing, tailgating, and driving in roadworks

In total, the Highway Code will change 33 existing rules and introduce two new rules.

There will also be several amendments made to the extra information within The Highway Code and its annexes. For more information CLICK HERE

Rebecca Ashton, head of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart says the government needs to communicate the changes for it to be successful.

She said: “The Department for Transport’s proposed changes announced today to the Highway Code have been designed to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders.

“However, they need to be explained properly to get the desired outcome of increasing safety of the most vulnerable road users. Without a well-funded education programme, we have concerns that the changes could instead increase conflict and potentially reduce the safety of the vulnerable road users the rule changes are intended to protect.”

NV LEGAL

Contact us for FREE legal advice on road incident injuries. A qualified solicitor, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will provide advice.

Call – 03330 112732

Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk

Website – www.nvlegal.co.uk

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