By way of a response to this year’s Road Safety Week theme of ‘safe vehicles’, Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, has commented.
“With ‘ineffective observation’ responsible for 32% of fatal collisions on UK roads, according to Department for Transport data, Road Safety Week acts as a timely reminder that safe driving relies on drivers remaining vigilant behind the wheel.”
Effective observation: making physical checks will help prevent collisions
“’Effective observation’ is more than just checking your mirrors. Drivers need to physically check their blind spots before manoeuvring, accurately judge the speed of oncoming vehicles, and anticipate the actions of pedestrians and cyclists.
“It’s vital that drivers complete all these physical checks to gain the full picture of what’s happening around their vehicle.
“As we head into winter, the challenging conditions make effective observation even more important. Darker mornings and evenings, wet and icy roads, and reduced visibility demand extra care and attention. But observation is only half the battle, your vehicle also needs to be roadworthy to help keep you and other road users safe.”
Safe vehicles: vehicle maintenance is key to road safety
Check your tyres
“Regular maintenance is essential to preventing accidents. A good place to start is with your tyres. Get into the habit of checking tread depth and pressure regularly.
“The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and bald tyres affect your car’s grip on the road. That makes them unsafe, especially in the wet and icy conditions. In a pinch, you can use a 20p coin to check your tread depth, making sure the grooves cover the outer ring of the coin.”
Don’t overlook your windscreen
“Your windscreen is your window to the road, so check it regularly for any chips or stone damage. This could impair your vision or cause a distraction while driving.
“The wiper blades also need regular checks as they can wear down over time and risk smearing your windscreen, reducing visibility.
“And don’t forget to top up the screenwash level regularly as water alone won’t clear the oily grime thrown up from the road, plus it’s more likely to freeze in winter.”
Test your lights daily
“Finally, check your lights daily. The light systems in your car are a priority for safe driving, especially during darker winter months.
“To check your lights, simply switch them on and walk around your car before setting off. You can then use a brick wall to check your brake lights are working, looking in your rearview mirror to make sure they light up when you press the pedal.
“Road Safety Week reminds us that ‘safe vehicles’ aren’t just about modern safety features. They’re about committing the necessary time for physical checks while driving, and maintaining your vehicle, which will help ensure the safety of all road users.”
