Driver fatigue can cause fatalities
Driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one quarter of fatal and serious accidents.
Driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one quarter of fatal and serious accidents.
If your windscreen is frozen over, do not use boiling water to clear it, as this could crack the glass. Don’t use your windscreen wipers either, as this will damage the wiper blades. Use a window scraper, a can of de-icer and some elbow grease.
Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Don’t drive off with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen: clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer.
Just one alcoholic drink affects your ability to drive safely. Do not be misled by talk of the LEGAL limit – there is no SAFE limit.
Remember that when you are driving with your friends in the car that due to the extra weight, the acceleration, braking and handling of the car can be affected.
A young driver with their friends in the car is six times more likely to crash than when they are driving alone due to distractions, showing off, and peer pressure.
In the snow, plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using shortcuts on minor roads – they are less likely to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes.
When driving in the snow it’s important to accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible. You may need to move off in second gear as this will help reduce wheelspin.
In the UK, if a dog suffers or dies as a result of being left in a hot car, their owner or caregiver can be prosecuted for neglect or cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Successful prosecution for neglect or cruelty can lead to jail time, fines and being banned from keeping animals in the future.
Your role as a driver is not to teach other drivers a lesson if you don’t like their driving style, it is to keep you, everyone in your car and other road users safe.