For many drivers on the roads, the main source of frustration between yourself and other motorists can be a lack of communication – How exactly are you supposed to convey a message to a driver of another vehicle?

One technique many drivers employ is flashing the headlights, particularly as a “Go Ahead” signal to other drivers to continue – However this is not always the safest option.

For example if you are turning right into a junction, and a driver on the opposite side of the road flashes his headlights – Does this mean you are safe to continue turning? Or could it be that he was instead flashing a driver coming out of the junction to pull out – Leading this other driver directly into your path…

Safe driving from Britannia!

Robotics experts have warned that self-driving cars are not yet ready for deployment, despite manufacturers rushing to have these released to the public as soon as possible.

The autonomous vehicles are not yet suitable to handle weather conditions such as water on the roads, rain or snow, and cannot yet follow the directions of a Police officer, leading to causes for concern for critics of the initiative.

Other concerns include hackers commandeering the GPS systems to remotely control the vehicles, which could lead to chaos on the roads if not prevented.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are many dangers to drivers on the roads – From adverse weather conditions, to other dangerous drivers – But do you ever stop to consider the danger you may pose to another road user?

This does not always mean someone else in a car. Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable people using the roads, due to their low visibility but fast speeds, as they can approach very quickly without much warning. Always take extra caution for cyclists, especially when close to a bicycle lane, and always give more space when passing a cyclist to be on the safe side.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Technology has come a long way in the last few years, especially in the world of driving. Not only do we now have Sat-Navs and  are on the verge of fully driverless cars, there are a wide variety of mobile phone apps that we can utilise to improve our own driving experiences.

From fuel-saving techniques to being able to detect traffic in advance and reduce journey times, these apps are truly revolutionising the way we drive in the 21st Century.

Do you know any good driving apps you can recommend to our readers? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a variety of mishaps that can occur to you or your car as a road user – From getting lost in unfamiliar roads, or even being involved in an accident, you need to stay alert to make every journey a safe one.

One tip we can offer is to be aware of how to detect an impending breakdown in your car – For example, you should know that cold weather can have adverse effects on your car, such as flattening the battery – So try to keep your battery fully charged or keep some jump leads in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Spring is slowly approaching, and with it comes the first Bank Holidays that you may want to use for a family holiday. One aspect any drivers dread about Bank Holiday Driving is the car journey to your destination, which can be from under an hour up to several long, arduous hours, especially on motorways.

One tip to reduce the boredom of long journeys is to introduce car games to the journey. From the classic “I Spy” to other more inventive activities, a little creativity can go a long way to relieve the monotony of a long car journey.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a lot of legal requirements when it comes to keeping your car on the road. From making sure you have correct and valid insurance to getting your car MOT’d, there can be a lot to take care of.

One of the important aspects is having your car taxed, or to make it SORN. If your car will be off the road for a period of time, you may want to stop taxing and insuring it, in which case you will need to make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This must be done if the vehicle is not taxed or insured, or if you want to break a vehicle down for parts prior to scrapping it.

SORN cannot be transferred from a previous owner – So if you buy a new or used car that is kept off the road, you must make a new SORN.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Becoming a driving instructor can be a very rewarding career choice – Not only does it give you the freedom to be your own boss with times to suit you, it will also let you become a pivotal figure in the lives of many young people and inexperienced drivers, helping them on the road to independence. We here at Britannia are sure we all remember our first driving instructors!

As long as you have passed the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 Test, and have done at least 40 hours of training with a qualified ADI, you will be eligible to apply for a trainee driving instructor license.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Driving with a disability can present many challenges to the driver – However it can also give the driver an immense amount of freedom and independence if approached correctly.

A disability needn’t keep you from learning to drive – As long as you are truthful about any condition you may have with the DVSA when applying for your license, and keep them updated on any changes in your condition, as well as finding a suitable car for your requirements, you will be able ot get out and about without any problems.

Safe driving from Britannia!

As drivers we all share a responsibility to drive in a safe and appropriate manner when on the roads. As a parent who is also a driver, you may feel that responsibility multiplies when your child is in the car.

Using a child seat is one aspect of your responsibility as a parent. This is a legal requirement until your child turns 12 years old, or reaches the height of 135cm tall – Whichever comes first.

Additionally, all car seats must be EU-approved to be used in the UK. This can be identified by by a capital E in a circle on the label.

Safe driving from Britannia!