1) Do not drive if tired, upset, unwell, hungover or on any drowsy medications. Some chronic illness interferes with fitness to drive – eg diabetes, epilepsy – ask your GP.
2) Have eyes tested at least every 2 years – with aging, focus gets slower, peripheral vision deteriorates and delays reaction times. Keep glasses lenses clean and get anti-reflective coatings.
3) Children or Grandchildren? The driver is legally responsible that under 17 yrs wear seatbelts – babies, toddlers and children MUST have appropriate child or booster seats fitted correctly. Passengers (or pets) shouldn’t distract you from concentrating on the road.
4) Take 10 mins/week for basic safety checks: vehicle on level surface, cool engine and check all fluids under bonnet – wipers, tyres pressure, tread 1.6mm (inc spare!). Do service at regular intervals – a stitch in time saves nine!
5) Keep windscreen, rearscreen, windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors and number plates clean – refill screenwash regularly.
6) Carry: De-icer, scraper, fire extinguisher, hi –viz vests, warning triangle, 1st aid kit, jump leads, Tyreweld for punctures.
7) Use weather and traffic updates to plan journeys – avoid rush hours, school time, sporting fixtures etc – if you must travel allow more time for journeys in case of unexpected delays which may cause stress and concentration lapses.
8) Do NOT use mobile phone for calls or texts while driving.
9) Use Mirror – Signal – Mirror (blind spot) – Manuevre (MSMM) for ALL changes of speed and direction including lane changes and roundabouts.
10) Slow down, stay calm and Expect the Unexpected!
