Lydia Pearson
November 21, 2023
For new drivers, navigating the roads can be both exciting and challenging. Follow our top tips for safe driving below.
1. Conduct regular vehicle maintenance
Carrying out simple checks yourself and getting your car regularly serviced will ensure your car is in a safe working condition.
Small inspections you can complete yourself include checking your tyres and wiper blades.
Wiper blades often get overlooked, but they are essential to your safety – and the safety of others. Especially in the winter months, driving can be difficult due to poor weather conditions. Replace worn-out wipers promptly to ensure optimal visibility.
2. Be mindful of your speed
Always stick within the speed limits and be mindful of adjusting your speed according to road and weather conditions. If it’s raining, snowing, or foggy, slow down and allow more space between you and the car in front. Your braking distance increases when the road surface is wet, and your reaction time will increase when visibility is reduced.
Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents, especially for new drivers.
3. Avoid distractions
Stay focused on the road by avoiding distractions. Never check your phone while driving, even in standstill traffic. If caught, you could receive six penalty points and a £200 fine. You could also lose your licence if you have passed your driving test within the last two years.
To use your phone while driving you must have hands-free access enabled.
Other distractions to be aware of include passengers, eating or drinking, and adjusting controls.
Driving at night presents a unique set of challenges that require increased awareness and attention to safety. Check out our top tips for safe nighttime driving below.
1. Ensure clear visibility
Make sure to clear your windscreen thoroughly before setting off on any journey. Check and replace worn wiper blades, ensure clear visibility should you need to use them on your trip.
2. Check your headlights
Ensure your vehicle's lights, including headlights and rear lights, are all functioning correctly. You can test them by turning them on in front of a flat surface such as a wall or garage door.
Remember to use high-beam headlights on unlit roads. Always dim them when approaching other road users to prevent dazzling them.
3. Be mindful of your speed
Always stick within the speed limit. If visibility is poor, slow down to allow for a better reaction time to unexpected changes or obstacles.
Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. These individuals may face unique challenges when navigating traffic. Read on for our top safety tips.
1. Be visible
Make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions. Use lights and reflective accessories on bicycles and motorcycles. This enhances visibility for other road users.
Always try and take routes that are well-lit and cross at places that are well-lit too.
2. Wear protective equipment
Always wear a helmet when cycling or riding a motorcycle, to protect against head injuries. It’s important to ensure your helmet is the correct size and is in good condition to provide effective protection.
3. Be mindful of blind spots
Be cautious around larger vehicles, especially lorries and buses, and avoid their blind spots. Make yourself visible to drivers when approaching junctions or crossing roads.
