5 Tips for Safety on the Road

There are more people on the road than ever, and this means more cars to navigate around, more traffic and often less consideration. With this in mind, the best way to have a safe trip on the road is to make safety your first priority. This means not just using your reverse camera and other tools, but focusing on the job at hand at all times, recalling the road rules and getting it right. You can't control what other drivers are doing, but if you are vigilant, well trained and practiced, and aware of your place on the road, you could avoid an accident.

So how can you truly be prepared to drive your vehicle as safely as possible?

1. Know your car 

It might seem obvious, but so many people get into a car and start driving without really investigating the ins and outs if their car, it's tools, or slowly working out how it functions. One of the most important steps you can take towards safety, is knowing your vehicle. This not only means knowing what it does, but how it does it. Before taking it out in heavy traffic or on a long trip, take a test drive. Test how sensitive the breaks are, how fast it reaches speed, how quickly it slows down, and how it handles around corners -- only once you are comfortable with these aspects are you really ready to drive it.

2. Keep everything in check 

While it might not seem a big deal -- a few k's over -- it can be. Make sure your car is regularly serviced. A vehicle that is looked after can make the difference between avoiding an accident and causing one. Take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic, and in addition to servicing, make sure you get any problems looked at regularly.

3. Use the safety technologies fitted to your car 

Newer vehicles are now fitted with a wide range of safety features. Reverse sensors, electronic stability control and anti-lock breaking systems, traction control, and intelligent speed assist are only the start of a long list of features. When you get your new car ensure you read the manual so you know what tools are at your disposal -- and then use them. Manufacturers compete for car sales, and they know safe cars are very attractive to families, so these features have been well researched and included for a reason.

4. Know how to handle the rough conditions 

A lot of the time, people handle rough conditions purely on instinct and reaction -- this is how a situation can go from bad to worse. Taking driver training can enable you to better understand how to handle difficult conditions, and teach you not to overcorrect and make matters worse!

5. Know what effects your driving 

Finally, beyond knowing your vehicle, you also need to understand yourself as a driver. While there is an alcohol limit, your own limit may actually be much lower. Don't drive when under the influence of anything, and make sure your never take the wheel when you are tired or feeling ill.