Driving in the busy city presents a great many challenges, no matter how experienced a driver you are. Traffic tends to be heavier and slower moving, you may find yourself in what seems like a maze of one-way streets, your view is often impeded and crossing pedestrians can seemingly appear from out of nowhere.

Despite that there are plenty of signs in the city centre it is still easy to get lost, so be sure to have a good idea where you’re going and allow extra time for any wrong turns. If you miss your exit on a roundabout it’s sensible to go around again rather than cut someone up.

Always keep a clear gap between you and the vehicle in front wherever possible. Prepare for anything, such as brakes being slammed on unexpectedly.

And it’s not just other motorists you need to worry about when driving in the city; you also have to watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooters. vulnerable users on pedal cycles and mobility scooters. Be patient and try not to lose your temper, as this is easily done when travelling in busy urban areas.

Pulling out at busy junctions with restricted vision also requires patience. In this case it’s a good idea to use the “creep and peep” method, moving forward very slowly, and gazing out as far as you can for incoming vehicles.

Safe driving from Britannia!

According to the Derby Telegraph “cars, lorries and motorbikes were parting like the Red Sea” when a motorist drove the wrong way along the A52 in the afternoon of Sunday 15th October 2017.

Drivers travelling from Nottingham towards Derby at around 2.50pm said they saw a woman driving towards them on the wrong side of the carriageway at speed.

One driver said that because of the concrete barriers on either side of the road it was almost impossible for him to pull over, but as soon as he was able to he contacted the police to report the incident.

Another motorist reported that encountering a vehicle driving dangerously towards him on the wrong side absolutely scared the life out of him. “It’s not what you expect to see coming towards you on the dual carriageway.”

If you came across a motorist travelling on the wrong side of the road, would you know how to react in the safest possible way?

Safe driving from Britannia!

After filling up, people are now able to pay at the pump; a system used at many service stations all over the world. Not only is this more convenient but it is said to help reduce the cost of fuel by reducing the need for staff at filling stations.

However, paying at the pump has led fewer customers to enter the shops at filling stations that sell other items typically sold at convenience stores, thereby affecting the profits fuel stations make from such sales.

While many service stations continue to have an attendant on duty, customers are performing most of the former tasks of the attendant, thereby leading to less availability of employment.

Some filling stations are completely unmanned and only allow customers to purchase fuel by paying at the pump. What are your thoughts on paying at the pump?

Safe driving from Britannia!

You may or may not have heard of the term “Cat C” – a term used to denote a specific type of car insurance write-off after a vehicle has been seriously damaged.

Vehicles that are written off after as a result of a major accident, flood or fire damage are often categorised under Cat C insurance. It basically means that even if the car is repairable, the cost of any parts and/or labour would significantly exceed the value of the vehicle, making any repair work economically impractical.

If your motor insurance provider deems the damage to be beyond economic repair, it may be classified as a Cat C write-off. Quite often such vehicles are put up for auction at repair garages who may be able to fix them at trade prices – usually a lot less than an insurance company would be charged!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Now that the winter is upon us, it is wise to have your vehicle fully serviced before the dreaded cold and wet weather kicks in, and have your fluids tested and topped up. Be sure to stock up on de-icer, windscreen wash, oil and anti-freeze. As well as getting your vehicle serviced, why not carry out your own checks to ensure your motor is prepared for the winter?

Check that your lights are clean and working, your windscreen, wiper blades and windows are all clean and the washer bottle is filled with screen wash. Ensure your battery is fully charged, and that all five tyres (spare included!) are in tiptop condition, including tread depth and pressure. Also make sure your brakes are working well.

In extreme weather conditions, it’s advisable to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially if you’re planning on taking a long trip. Don’t think having an emergency kit is unnecessary, for what if you break down or find yourself stranded in your vehicle overnight due to a blizzard or flooded roads? How would you keep warm? What would you eat and drink? If you must drive in harsh weather conditions, be sure that your mobile phone is fully charged and you wear warm clothes. A torch is also always handy in case you become stranded at night. De-icing equipment is always handy to have on board, as well as a first aid kit in case you injure yourself.

Safe driving from Britannia!

British motorists want to see the drink-drive limit in the UK be slashed to reduce drink-related driving offences. A survey by the RAC found that every three in five drivers voted in a reduction of the current limit.

Since 1967, when the breathalyser road-side tests were put in place, the blood-alcohol limit for drivers is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

As the limit turns 50, the survey reveals that drivers want the law to be changed. 60% of those surveyed want the limit reduced to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. A fifth of motorists want a more drastic penalty brought in with 21% of motorists saying the limit should reach 20mg.

The latter would match the limit in European countries such as Sweden and Poland.
What are your thoughts on the drink-driving limit?

Safe driving from Britannia!

While indicating may not always seem a big deal when driving, failure to do so can cause big problems, even accidents. It’s important to use your indicators to tell other road users what you’re doing and where you’re going.

This could be on approaching a junction, overtaking a parked vehicle or obstruction or if pulling over when safe and legal to do so. It is also important to indicate before pulling off, after checking your mirrors of course. When exiting a roundabout, indicate left to let other road users know where you’re getting off so they can proceed accordingly. Not doing so can confuse other drivers who may pull out in front of you as a consequence.

Always indicate when changing lanes on a dual carriageway or the motorway, and in plenty of time before joining or entering. And of course, always remember to cancel your indicator when no longer in use. Many cars will do this automatically, but sometimes your indicator may stay on which can also confuse other drivers.

Be respectful and considerate to other road users – causing unnecessary confusion could trigger road rage, or worse, an accident.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Potholes are becoming a regular occurrence on Britain’s roads, resulting in damage to vehicles and posing a potential hazard. Although it is the responsibility of the council to deal with potholes, they can only act accordingly if members of the public (including you!) report them in the first place.

Potholes are the result of moisture entering the cracks in the road, which expands when it freezes in cold weather conditions. The holes get larger as they are driven over which causes further damage to the structure of the road.

The impact potholes may cause to a vehicle can vary from buckled wheels, tyre damage, cracked alloys and in more severe cases, loss of control that can result in an accident.

Protect yourself and your vehicle by keeping alert and your eyes peeled for dreaded potholes. Watch your speed, too – the faster you go over a pothole, the greater the impact. Be mindful when driving in wet weather, for potholes may be hidden under puddles.

Finally, always keep a firm hold of the steering wheel with both hands when driving on a road with potholes so as to maintain full control of your vehicle.

Safe driving from Britannia!

When driving it goes without saying that you will want maximum visibility. A mucky windscreen will impede your vision and cause distraction, so always keep it clean and free of bird droppings, squashed bugs, tree sap and nasty smears.

Cold water won’t shift diesel and oily deposits, and a soapy sponge will prove difficult when trying to remove stubborn blotches. Your local home and motor store should sell a good wax polish or alcohol-based cleaner you can use, which you’ll find proves far more effective.

You should regularly check your widescreen wipers for any damage or wear and tear. If the rubber of the blades is nicked in places, not only will they fail to clean the glass properly, but will leave annoying streak marks across it, that you can live without!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Coming back to your parked car to find that it has been broken into can be a horrifying discovery. To avoid it from happening, you’ll do wise to ensure you park safely and securely to keep thieves at bay.

Popping back into the house to get something is a perfect scenario for opportunists who may be in the area. Always lock your car and never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of seconds.

Leaving your windows open invites thieves to reach in for items through the gap by hand or with a tool, which could also be used to unlock the door for them to get in. If you’re parking at night, be sure to leave your car in a well-lit area and preferably as close to a populated area as possible. Leaving it in the dark in the middle of nowhere is simply asking for trouble!

Always think before leaving your vehicle, no matter how long for. Thieves are clever – don’t present them with any opportunity to rob you and/or cause damage!

Safe driving from Britannia!