Are you a safe driver?
Driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us do on a daily basis. Ten people die every day on UK roads and 100 more are seriously injured.
Traffic is the biggest killer of 12-16 year-olds in Britain. Deaths of 12-19 year-olds on foot rose by 26% from the previous last reported year (from 87 in 2002 to 110 in 2003). If a child on foot is hit by a vehicle travelling at 35mph, they are more than twice as likely to die than if they were hit at 30mph. Staying well within speed limits is therefore essential for the safety of children who are walking and cycling. Remember the faster you drive, the less time you have both to react and brake.
Most of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by drivers taking simple steps every time they get behind the wheel to ensure they are looking after themselves, their passengers and other road users.Brake's Pledge to Drive Safely is a twelve-point plan that all drivers can follow to stay safe on the roads.
So think about how you can make a difference and go on making a difference. You wouldn't want somebody's death on your conscience now would you? A few simple measures will help cut road deaths for all - drivers, passengers, other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The twelve Pledge to Drive Safely promises are:
- Belt Up - front and back and ensure children are correctly restrained
- Slow Down- abide by limits and only overtake if totally safe
- Wake Up - never drive tired and take breaks every two hours on long journeys
- Sober Up - 'just say no' to alcohol and drugs if driving
- Look Out - look out for people on bikes, horses and foot
- Wise Up - if it's night, bright, or bad weather, go slower
- Buck Up - calm yourself before or while driving if stressed, angry or excited
- Move Up - adjust head restraints so the top is no lower than the top of your head to help prevent whiplash
- Sharpen Up - wear glasses or lenses if you need them
- Shut Up - switch your phone to voicemail
- Back Off - from the vehicle in front - it's your braking space in an emergency or crisis
- Check Up - check brakes, tyres, lights mirrors and windows
Download a pdf of Brake's 'Are you a safe driver' booklet, which is packed with practical tips, facts and figures on the above topics.
Download a Pledge to Drive Safely form that you can sign and return to Brake to commit to driving safely. You can also photocopy this sheet and ask other drivers to sign it at community events and company family days.
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