Safety on the road starts with taking the right precautionary measures when driving or riding a vehicle.
Travelling can be an exciting opportunity to explore the surroundings, but keeping one’s senses sharp is essential to prevent accidents throughout the journey. A slight lapse in attention while sitting in the driver’s seat can be fatal.
As of June 2024, an estimated 1,607 fatalities had occurred in reported road collisions in Great Britain, highlighting the importance of adhering to driving safety rules.
Understanding the Safety Rules When Riding a Vehicle
Prioritising safety in a vehicle is essential, not just for the people inside, but also for pedestrians around you. Whether you’re driving or riding, staying safe behind the wheel should always come first.
No matter if you’re behind the wheel or enjoying the ride in the back seat, it is important to embrace car safety rules and make sure everyone follows them too.
Let’s get started to learn the basic safety rules when driving/riding a vehicle.
Keep your Vehicle Ready Before Starting the Journey
It’s important to prepare your vehicle before setting off to ensure safe travel. Always check the engine and overall condition of your car before hitting the road.
Also, check the tyre pressure and ensure all essential tools are safely stored in your car.
One of the most critical things to consider when travelling at night is evaluating the functioning of your headlights. You must understand the basics of the vehicle and familiarise yourself with the control features before embarking on your journey to ensure safety in the car and on the road.
- Steering Wheel: Practice making smooth turns.
- Pedals: Distinguish clearly between the accelerator and brake pedals.
- Indicators: Utilise them properly to convey your intentions.
- Mirrors: Adjust and use them to stay aware of your environment.
- Dashboard Controls: Understand the function of the various buttons and gauges.
Wear a Seatbelt and Adjust Your Driving Posture
When you are driving your family car, which other family members frequently use, you may find it difficult to reach the pedals. Adjust your seat’s position to allow for sufficient legroom, and ensure your hands can comfortably reach the steering wheel and pedals.
Ensure your back is comfortably supported, and try to maintain a slightly bent knee position for optimal comfort. This way, you can avoid fatigue and pain, especially during long journeys.
Above all, always recognise the importance of seatbelts. Make it a routine to fasten your seatbelt as soon as you enter the car, and ensure that all other passengers do the same.
Additionally, sitting at the back does not free you from this responsibility. You must check if your driver and fellow travellers are following the vehicle safety rules and have fastened their seatbelts.
Monitor the Car’s Speed and Follow Specific Guidelines
Young drivers are often fascinated with overspeeding and enjoy driving at higher speeds. Alternatively, many people exceed the speed limit, especially when they are in a rush to go somewhere urgently.
Whatever the reason, nothing justifies overspeeding, and it remains a life-threatening practice. Speed limits in built-up areas and on motorways differ slightly, but following specific speed-related guidelines can help prevent deadly collisions.
The national speed limit is 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, while it is 20 miles per hour (32 km/h) in Wales.
When you are in the back of a taxi in Hatfield or your own vehicle with a driver, monitor the speedometer to confirm they are driving within the appropriate limits.
Consider Weather Safety Parameters
Not every time you take the car out on the road does pleasant weather welcome you. Being a driver, you may encounter blinding fog, heavy rainfall, or even snow. It is a better idea to stay indoors during harsh weather conditions.
However, if you must travel in an emergency, make sure you’re properly equipped with the necessary safety gear. Switch on your headlights for maximum visibility, and keep the windscreen clear during fog or rain. Fit winter tyres if you’re driving in snowy conditions.
You can also assess whether the driver is following road safety rules and whether the vehicle is properly maintained to handle the weather conditions safely.
Obey Traffic Regulations and Distance Maintenance
When you are given a driving licence, it reflects that you are aware of all the safety measures when driving a vehicle. It’s essential to take the time to understand traffic signs and identify allowed and restricted parking zones.
Additionally, adhere to lane usage regulations, including when to utilise HOV or passing lanes. Maintain the right distance from the car in front of your vehicle to prevent a collision.
Even today’s modern cars, with features such as stop assist and anti-lock braking systems, require a certain distance to come to a safe stop. Check whether the driver is obeying the traffic signal and following vehicle safety regulations.
A Big No to Food, Phone, and Alcohol
Driving is all about concentration. The more you focus, the better the chances of avoiding mishaps.
Therefore, eating, drinking, and using phones are strictly prohibited while one is seated behind the wheel. Complete your lunch before heading out or take a break, have a meal, and get back on track. Thus, avoiding these distractions when driving can help you ensure a safe journey.
There are strict alcohol limits for drivers. The limit for drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Once you are caught drink-driving, the court files a petition, and you will never be able to drive in the UK.
Bottom Line: Commit to Responsible Riding Today
Following car safety rules helps keep you, your passengers, and everyone else safe on the road. Inspect your vehicle and ensure that the tyres, brakes, headlights, and other parts are fully functional, understand the traffic rules, monitor your car’s speed, consider weather conditions, and avoid distractions to abide by car safety rules.
Relax and enjoy a stress-free experience as you let our efficient drivers take the wheel in our well-maintained vehicles.
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