Did you know that using your mobile phone while driving makes you 23 times more likely to have a car accident? Texting in particular has become a common distraction for many motorists.

It’s important to be aware of the dangers and keep your focus on the road. It might be tempting to pick up your mobile phone while stuck in traffic, but the law against using your mobile when driving still applies when you’re stationery – whether at traffic lights, stuck in a jam or even supervising a learner driver.

Keeping your phone out of reach is highly advisable – nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of others. If you regularly need to communicate while driving, try installing a hands-free feature, such as a Bluetooth headset and/or voice commands.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Driving on a hot day can be very uncomfortable. Some cars are fitted with air conditioning, although it comes with a price, and increases fuel usage! Try slowing down to 30mph or under, turn off the air con and open your windows instead. If you’re driving faster than 30mph, it’s advisable to use the air con and have your windows closed!

Take a bottle of water on your travels to stay hydrated. If you’re tired, a caffeinated drink may prove beneficial. Of course, if you can avoid driving on a sweltering hot day, then do so – walking is healthier and you will reduce the traffic on the roads, and the likelihood of other drivers getting hot and cranky behind the wheel!

Safe driving from Britannia!

For a new driver, it can be a daunting few months getting to grips with life behind a wheel. It seems that almost every day, you are discovering new aspects to being on the road, whether those be great memories to make or experiences that you would rather forget…

Our advice would be to experience as much as you can, as fast as you can. While it’s not good to rush into anything you’re not quite ready fro yet, it might help you to step outside of your comfort zone and try motorway driving for the first time, or have a go at a long distance journey instead of just staying local. You never know, you might just learn something new along the way.

Safe driving from Britannia!

One of the most major problems many young, new and inexperienced drivers will face when learning to master the rules of the road is the aspect of communication, specifically with other road users such as fellow drivers, cyclists and even pedestrians. Misunderstanding another road user can put you in a dangerous situation if you choose to act in a way the other person is not expecting.

One example of this is flashing your headlights – Whilst may interpret this as a signal to “go ahead”, you should be careful using this as it is not designed for this purpose, and so you may well be penalised for this on your driving test.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There’s nothing better than driving in the summer – Sunshine, hot weather, roofs down, for many people it really is the pinnacle of driving experience. So that makes it all the worse when, instead of blazing sun and soaring temperatures, we are instead faced with a sudden, unexpected downpour.

Nonetheless, this is Britain, so unexpected weather is our speciality. It’s always a good idea to stay prepared for any eventuality at all times, so make sure to keep your eyes open for dark clouds overhead no matter what the weather, and if you are faced with a freak summer shower, make changes to your driving style accordingly to ensure you continue to drive safely.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Regularly cleaning your car isn’t just about making it easier on the eye. A dirty registration plate that cannot be identified could result in a fine of up to £1000. Bird droppings, sap, salt and acid rain can eventually lead to paintwork damage, which effectively protects the body of your car from elements like rust. If untreated, rust damage can lead to cracks and holes in your car’s bodywork which will end up costing you money and resources to repair!

A clean car is also safer to drive – you, your passengers and other road users’ safety is at risk if your visibility is compromised by dirty windows, windscreen, lights and mirrors. Also ensure that your car’s interior is clutter free, as objects rolling under the pedals could also compromise your safety. Finally, keeping your car in the best condition means the best trade-in value!

Every car over three years old must pass its MOT to comply with UK law. Your vehicle’s key components, such as the engine, tyres, brakes, lights and fuel system will be checked thoroughly to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Before booking your MOT, you can carry out a number of checks yourself to maximise your car’s chance of passing, thus saving money and time!

Start with your registration plate – is it clean, intact and legible? You could be fined up to £1000 if not so beware! Switch on your lights and walk around your car to make sure they’re all working correctly; including your full beams, indicators and brake lights, and replace any bulbs if necessary. Check your oil to make sure your car runs smoothly – it takes less than five minutes! Have a look at your tyres and check that the treads are at least 1.6mm and free from lumps and punctures.

Finally, check your car seats – are they secure and do the seat belts lock properly when tugged? Carrying out these checks regularly not only helps you stand a better chance of passing your MOT – it could also save lives!

Some motorists are unnerved by night-driving, as statistics reveal that fatal car crashes are actually four times more likely to occur at night than during the day. Some of the reasons for this are obvious, like having reduced visibility, but it’s also because people are more likely to drink and drive in the later hours.

Using the correct lights (without dazzling oncoming traffic) not only helps you to see better but makes you more perceptible to other drivers. Also, keeping your windows clean will avoid increased glare and condensation. If you’re over the drink drive limit, get a lift from a friend of family member who is fit to drive or make use of public transport. Don’t put your life or the lives of others at risk by thinking you’ll be OK. By recognising the risks, potential hazards and abiding to the law, we can all play a part in making the roads safe, whatever the time.

Safe driving from Britannia!

On average, you probably have between 30-40 miles left the moment your petrol light comes on. Ideally, you should get to a filling station at your earliest convenience so as not to end up running on fumes. The bottom of your tank is lined with a yucky sediment, which can clog the fuel filter and fuel injectors, as well as the pump pickup if you don’t refuel when prompted.

Ideally you should aim to top up your fuel when the tank gets to a quarter full – this will actually save you money in the long run and keep your car running healthily. You wouldn’t go jogging on an empty stomach, would you? Taking efficient care of your vehicle will not only will you ensure your own safety and convenience, but lessen the impact on your wallet too!

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you’re abiding to the speed limit, don’t be intimidated if another motorist gets right up your behind – whether they’re in a hurry or not, they’re breaking the law! The same applies to yourself; don’t get too close to the car in front even if they’re driving slower than the limit; they could be nervous, lost or have only recently passed their test.

It’s important to give enough space so that if anything happens, you have time to stop without ploughing into the back of another car. Use the ‘tyres and tarmac’ trick, ensuring you can see the person in front’s rear wheels and a fair amount of the road above your bonnet.

Not only is allowing plenty of space a safer way to drive; it’s also common courtesy! In the same way that you would when out of the vehicle, treat others the way you would expect to be treated.

Safe driving from Britannia!