Summer Road Advice

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

  • When you drink and drive your ability to handle a vehicle is significantly decreased.
  • Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly yet it wears off slowly.
  • Drink driving hinders awareness and ability to spot hazards on the road. Drivers have difficulty controlling their vehicles and are more at risk of a crash.
  • It is illegal to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol. Possible convictions include a driving ban, a fine, community service and prison.
  • In the hot summer months it is tempting to have a social drink either after work or with friends…remember never drink and drive.

If you drink...

  • If you've had a drink, get a taxi or bus.
  • Before you go out appoint a nominated person in your group to drive.

CHECK YOUR SPEED

  • Heavily laden cars will have an extended stopping distance. Check your distance and keep speeds down.
  • Keeping up with hectic schedules sometimes means that speeding can be seen as a necessary risk. Better to be late…than dead on time.

BELT UP

  • Government research shows that 30% of all road deaths would have been prevented had they been wearing a seatbelt.
  • Wear your seat belt in the front and back of a vehicle and on every journey.
  • Hot and stuffy vehicles can sometimes make seat belts uncomfortable. An uncomfortable seat belt compared to possible paralysation, serious injury or even death… you decide.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE

  • Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth (see vehicle handbook).
  • Dazzle from sunlight can be hazardous; cleaning the windscreen inside and out can significantly improve vision and reduce the dazzling effect.
  • Make sure the windscreen-washer bottle is filled using a screen-wash to help clear the screen.
  • Check all bulbs are working and that headlights are clean and correctly aimed (see vehicle handbook).

TIREDNESS CAN KILL

  • Driving requires the driver to be alert and aware of their surroundings. If a driver is overly tired they are less likely to react effectively.
  • Fatigue reduces reaction times. The actual time in which you react when fatigued is much slower than you expect.
  • Driving when fatigued increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

PREPARING TO TRAVEL

  • Plan your route. Remember on long motorway journeys it is advisable to pull into motorway service areas for regular breaks. Set out in plenty of time.
  • Take something to eat and drink, just in case you are unlucky enough to get caught in any traffic congestion.
  • Do not fill the fuel tank to the brim on especially hot days. As with most liquids fuel will expand. This could lead to fuel leaking out of the filler neck of the fuel tank or breather.
  • Checking coolant measures, hoses and cooling fans can help prevent overheating in extreme summer temperatures.
  • You can get the fan checked by your local garage or do it yourself by running the car to normal temperature and then allowing the engine to idle for five to 10 minutes, the cooling fan should cut in automatically. The cooling fan is imperative to avoid overheating in summer traffic queues.

TOWING

  • If you plan to take a caravan, ensure you maintain your vehicle, paying particular attention to brakes and tyres.
  • Note: Caravan tyres can get very old before they wear out. Examine them carefully for any signs of splitting or cracks in the side wall or tread, replacing as required.
  • Never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond its designed carrying capacity - consult your owner's manual. If you are in any doubt you can get your vehicle weighed at a local weigh bridge.
  • Always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. When your car is loaded its braking distance will be increased.

DISTRACTION

  • Never answer a mobile phone or send or receive text messages while driving. Put phones to voice message service before setting off.
  • Limit conversations with passengers. Make sure children have something to entertain them, such as books and travel games.
  • If you need to consult maps or directions, make sure you park-up first. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a matter of seconds when driving, can prove fatal.
  • Keep your eyes on the road ahead.

SAFER ROADS - HELPFUL LINKS

ADVICE FOR OLDER TRAVELLERS

DRIVING ABROAD

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