Road Safety Week 2023: Tips for Drivers
Safety is of paramount importance every time you get behind the wheel of your car. Read on...
Safety is of paramount importance every time you get behind the wheel of your car.
Recent research from the road safety charity Brake has revealed that five people die each day on UK roads. This is preventable with more education and awareness. That’s why we're proudly supporting Road Safety Week, from 19th –25th November 2023.
Continue reading for our essential driving tips for Road Safety Week and beyond.
What is Road Safety Week?
Road Safety Week is an annual initiative that aims to promote awareness and encourage safe driving practices. It is organised by the charity Brake.
Each year, there is a new theme for Road Safety Week. The theme for 2023 is speed.
Many drivers consider speeding acceptable in certain situations. It’s important to remember that limits have been set for a reason.
Every time you drive above the speed limit or too fast for the conditions, you increase the risk of a crash. Therefore, now is the time to stop and think about speed.
The history of Road Safety Week
Brake has been campaigning since 1995 to help make a difference in communities across the UK. The charity has evolved from a small grassroots campaign to a global organisation at the forefront of road safety.
Transport journalist Mary Williams established Brake in 1995. The first Road Safety Week was launched in 1997. Since then, Brake has been involved in many important initiatives, including:
- Creating a dedicated road crash bereavement service
- Campaigning for a ban on using phones while driving
- Advocating for the reduction of speed limits in certain areas
- Increasing the number of speed cameras in the UK
Road safety tips for new drivers
For new drivers, navigating the roads can be both exciting and challenging. Follow our top tips for safe driving below.
1. Conduct regular vehicle maintenance
Carrying out simple checks yourself and getting your car regularly serviced will ensure your car is in a safe working condition.
Small inspections you can complete yourself include checking your tyres and wiper blades.
Wiper blades often get overlooked, but they are essential to your safety – and the safety of others. Especially in the winter months, driving can be difficult due to poor weather conditions. Replace worn-out wipers promptly to ensure optimal visibility. If you’re unsure how to do this yourself, our handy fitting guides walk you through the process step by step.
2. Be mindful of your speed
Always stick within the speed limits and be mindful of adjusting your speed according to road and weather conditions. If it’s raining, snowing, or foggy, slow down and allow more space between you and the car in front. Your braking distance increases when the road surface is wet, and your reaction time will increase when visibility is reduced.
Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents, especially for new drivers.
3. Avoid distractions
Stay focused on the road by avoiding distractions. Never check your phone while driving, even in standstill traffic. If caught, you could receive six penalty points and a £200 fine. You could also lose your licence if you have passed your driving test within the last two years.
To use your phone while driving you must have hands-free access enabled.
Other distractions to be aware of include passengers, eating or drinking, and adjusting controls.
Road safety tips for driving at night
Driving at night presents a unique set of challenges that require increased awareness and attention to safety. Check out our top tips for safe nighttime driving below.
1. Ensure clear visibility
Make sure to clear your windscreen thoroughly before setting off on any journey. Check and replace worn wiper blades to ensure clear visibility should you need to use them on your trip.
2. Check your headlights
Ensure your vehicle's lights, including headlights and rear lights, are all functioning correctly. You can test them by turning them on in front of a flat surface such as a wall or garage door.
Remember to use high-beam headlights on unlit roads. Always dim them when approaching other road users to prevent dazzling them.
3. Be mindful of your speed
Always stick within the speed limit. If visibility is poor, slow down to allow for a better reaction time to unexpected changes or obstacles.
Road Safety tips for vulnerable road users
Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. These individuals may face unique challenges when navigating traffic. Read on for our top safety tips.
1. Be visible
Make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions. Use lights and reflective accessories on bicycles and motorcycles. This enhances visibility for other road users.
Always try and take routes that are well-lit and cross at places that are well-lit too.
2. Wear protective equipment
Always wear a helmet when cycling or riding a motorcycle, to protect against head injuries. It’s important to ensure your helmet is the correct size and is in good condition to provide effective protection.
3. Be mindful of blind spots
Be cautious around larger vehicles, especially lorries and buses, and avoid their blind spots. Make yourself visible to drivers when approaching junctions or crossing roads.
Importance of functioning wiper blades for road safety
Clear visibility is essential for safe driving. High-quality wiper blades effectively remove rain, snow, and sleet from your windshield. At Wiper Blades, we stock high-quality wiper blades from the following brands:
To find the correct wiper blades for your car, enter your vehicle registration number into our handy search tool.
Maintaining functional wiper blades is a crucial aspect of road safety. Regularly inspecting and replacing these if needed, will promote safer journeys on the road.
How to participate in Road Safety Week
Participating in Road Safety Week provides an opportunity for individuals to help improve road safety. Always drive responsibly by adhering to speed limits and complying with traffic regulations.
Follow the hashtag #RoadSafetyWeek on social media for more helpful tips and advice.
We hope this guide has provided useful insight into safer driving. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every driver plays a crucial role in making our roads safer.
Looking for a fresh set of wiper blades to keep your visibility clear this winter? Enter your vehicle registration into our handy tool to find the correct fit.
