Drive safe

Road safety

Road safety isn't just about the speed of vehicles on our roads; there are many issues, ranging from pedestrians (they are road users too), to using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Here are just a few topics that road safety covers.

Cyclists

Do’s and don’ts for cyclists

• Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing and always use lights after dark or in poor weather conditions.
• Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
• Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them.
• Don’t jump red lights.
• Don’t ride on pavements.
• Don’t ride the wrong way up one-way streets, unless there’s a sign saying cyclists can.
• Don’t ride across pedestrian crossings.

Do’s and don’ts for motorists

• Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.
• Watch for cyclists on the inside when you turn left.
• Always look for cyclists before opening a car door.
• Give cyclists turning right extra consideration.
• Don’t squeeze past cyclists - give them space, at least half a car’s width.
• Don’t dazzle cyclists - use dipped headlights, the way you would with another car.
• Don’t get annoyed when cyclists ride away from the kerb - they need to avoid drains and potholes, and be seen as they come to junctions with side roads. 

Further information (external website): THINK! advice - cyclists

Drug Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs - whether prescribed medication or illegal substances - is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s also against the law.

Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean you aren’t able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last for hours or even days.

The police can carry out roadside tests of impairment to help them decide whether to arrest you if they think you are unfit to drive through drugs. Their code of practice for testing for impairment is at Home Office (external website).

The penalties are the same as for drink driving. You face a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and six months jail.

Further information (external website): Don't Drug Drive

Mobile Phone

New legislation to increase the penalty for using a hand-held phone whilst driving came into force on 27 February 2007. The £30 fine was increased to £60 and three penalty points on your licence.

If a case goes to court, you could risk a maximum fine of £1,000, which rises to £2,500 for the driver of a bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle.

A driver can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if they are not in proper control of the vehicle when using the device. The penalties are the same - £60 fine and three points on your licence.

If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.

Callers also play an important role in keeping the roads safe. If the person you are speaking to is driving, terminate the call and arrange to speak to them later.

Further information (external website): THINK! advice - mobile phones

Seatbelts

The wearing of front seat belts became compulsory in 1982. Soon after the law came into effect 90% of car drivers and front seat passengers were wearing them.

It became compulsory for adults to wear rear seat belts in 1991.

New regulations governing the use of child car seats came into force in September 2006.

Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.

Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions. It is estimated that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year.

Further information (external website): THINK! advice - seat belts and child restraints