With more and more cars on the road these days, driving your car, especially in built-up areas can be a dangerous business. Here are some simple tips to follow to ensure that you travel from A to B safely, and minimise on car insurance claims.
Be alert
Falling asleep at the wheel can happen to any driver, especially when travelling long distance, or late at night. This is extremely dangerous, but can be avoided. If you feel yourself getting tired, try turning on your air conditioner or open a window to lower the temperature of your vehicle. This change in temperature should make you feel more alert. Otherwise, it’s advisable to share the driving with someone else, or to play it safe and pull over. Take a break and get a bit of shut-eye, allowing you to set off refreshed.
Safe distance
Many drivers underestimate how much stopping distance they need, resulting in accidents. At 35mph or more, and in good weather conditions, you need to maintain a good three to four seconds of distance between you and the vehicle in front. To measure this distance, simply choose a sign or lamp post on the road ahead. As soon as the car in front of you reaches this landmark, start counting – one Mississippi, two Mississippi – if you reach the landmark yourself before counting to three then you know you’re driving too close.
Weather
Keeping up to date with weather warnings can help you to avoid treacherous conditions. In any kind of bad weather, if you have to drive, drive slowly.
In the rain, whether daytime or night time, turn your lights on. And remember to use your air conditioning/defroster/car windows to prevent windows from fogging-up.
In the ice and snow, it’s safest to avoid driving altogether where possible. If driving, watch the road closely, looking out for patches of ice, snow and black ice. Always brake early and gently, take turns cautiously and, should you skid, keep off the brake and turn into the skid to regain control of your vehicle.
Put the phone down.
Talking on the phone while driving never used to be an issue, but now that most people own a mobile it has become a real road safety problem. In fact, so many accidents have occurred as a result that legislature has now been put in place to make the practice illegal. If you must use your phone in the car use a hands-free device. But if the conversation is particularly involving then pull off the road and talk in a safe location.
Maintain your tyres
Drivers often neglect the condition of their tyres. But a few simple checks can help prevent needless accidents. Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear, including shallow tread, bulging and cracks. Also, your tyre manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure will be printed in your owner’s manual or inside the door of your car. Keep a tyre gauge in the car so you can check your tyre pressure each time you fill up with petrol.
Be Insured!
Sounds obvious, but car insurance really comes into it’s own when you need it. Beware – there’s a lot of companies offering insurance out there, it makes sense to go with a firm that has a long-standing reputation, both for good-practice and affordability. Try Kwik Fit Insurance for competitive car insurance quotes.
