Planning your journey
Whether you're driving to a holiday destination or simply going to work, it is highly advisable and often essential to plan the journey. From routine roadworks and inevitable traffic to unexpected incidents and possible breakdowns, numerous things can happen behind the wheel. Getting lost in an unknown location or being the victim of poor weather conditions does not need to be as daunting as it sounds, as correct and comprehensive planning can be incredibly useful for any situation and every eventuality.
Dangers of driving
Firstly, it is important to remember and recognise how dangerous driving can be. According to the latest publication from the Department for Transport, the number of fatalities on UK roads reported to police in 2012 was 1.754. There were also 23,039 serious injuries and a further 195,723 minor casualties. Although figures are an improvement on recent years, it is clear to see that several dangers still exist. Therefore, it is recommended that motorists re-familiarise themselves with traffic laws and the Highway Code from time to time to ensure best driving practices are always upheld.
Planning the route
Thankfully, there are several resources available to easily plan a journey. As opposed to a traditional map, motorists can now go online or use satellite navigation systems to discover the quickest or easiest route to a destination.
Wherever possible, try to take into account:
- Road type - Country lanes, dual carriageways, motorways.
- Accident hotspots along the route -This information is readily available on the internet.
- Hazards that might exist - Road works, diversions for local events.
- Traffic densities - Consider the time of day, avoid rush hour.
- High-risk features like schools or town centres.
On the day of your journey, check television reports, local radio and newspapers for the latest travel information. If it is a cold day, wrap up warm with several thin layers. If it is warm, make sure you keep cool and hydrated by taking bottles of water.
Carry out car checks
Before setting off on a major journey, checking the most vital components of your car is imperative. This has the potential to not only prevent a breakdown or problem occurring, it can also save lives, as faulty lights or dangerous tyres might cause an accident.
Here is a checklist of things you should consider:
- Ensure any major repairs are complete. If you are aware of a problem that needs rectifying, such as an engine warning light on the dashboard, make sure it is put right.
- Carry out scheduled servicing. Although many people delay or put off a regular service, it can prevent breakdowns and give your car a better chance of completing the journey.
- Check engine coolant. To prevent your car from overheating or seizing in the cold weather, the coolant's mixture of water and antifreeze should be at the appropriate level.
- Check the tyres. All four tyres should be inflated to the correct pressure and have plenty of tread still remaining. The proper pressure levels are usually found inside the driver's door, while the legal minimum depth for tyre tread is 1.6mm.
- Check the spare tyre. Just in case you get a flat tyre or puncture, ensure the spare is in fully working order. You may also need to look for tyre changing equipment and lock-nut adapters.
- Check the oil and fuel. The level of engine oil is easy to check and fill up, with suitable products available from any reputable garage. A full tank of fuel also provides added peace of mind.
- Join breakdown or recovery service. If breakdown cover is not included as part of your insurance, joining a recovery company could save you a lot of time, money and heartache.
- Check the glove box. Having the owner's manual, registration, MOT, insurance details and recovery information to hand is always incredibly useful, just in case of the worst-case scenario.
- Useful products. To be on the safe side, you may also want to buy a fire extinguisher, high visibility jacket, fuses, light bulbs or a road atlas.
Use of technology
If you are using a satellite navigation system, input the destination before leaving. Make sure it is positioned in a suitable place that is easy to look at but does not restrict your view. If you need to change the details or input any additional information, stop in a safe place to do so.
It is illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive an automobile while using a mobile phone or similar device. This also applies if you're stopped at lights or queuing in traffic. Therefore, turning off a mobile phone, having it on silent or keeping it out of reach is recommended.
If you're caught using a mobile phone while driving, you will receive an automatic fixed penalty notice of 3 points and a fine of £60. In the most serious cases, you could also go to court, be disqualified from driving and receive a fine of £1,000.
Driving in winter
In cold weather and the winter months, even more due care and attention is required. Only essential journeys should be made, but if you must travel, ensure you're prepared for all events and conditions.
Heavy usage of electrical systems will have an affect on the battery, so only run the lights, heaters and wipers when necessary.
Visibility and vision are crucial when it comes to adverse weather conditions, so cleaning and clearing the windows as well as the headlights and number plates is of great importance.
Unless you live in an isolated area, snow chains are rarely needed for tyres. However, a tread of a least 3mm and no less than 2mm is highly recommended.
Before departing, allow 10 minutes to de-ice your car and plan to use major roads that are more likely to have been treated.
Driving in snow and ice can be difficult and sometimes quite scary, as stopping distances are up to 10 times longer. When going up hill, choose a high gear and keep a constant speed. On the way down, select a low gear and brake using the engine.
Some useful products to keep in the car include an emergency snow shovel, travel blanket, snow and ice grips, towrope, de-icing salt and winter clothing accessories like gloves, hats and neck warmers.
Eco-friendly driving
With fuel prices increasing and an uncertain economic climate, more and more people are trying to save money at the pumps. There are various ways you can improve efficiency and reduce C02 emissions and pollution when driving your car.
Extra weight means using extra fuel, so if you having any luggage or items in the boot that you don't need take them out. Roof racks and boxes will affect the car's aerodynamics, so take these off to reduce drag.
While driving, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking. Change gears around 2,000 rpm in a diesel and around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car as this can make a difference to economy. If you do not need the air conditioning, turn it off, as this requires engine power to work.
Electrical items such as heated windscreens and stereos also make a difference, while turning off the engine if you're in a queue can save fuel.
In addition to staying safe, sticking to the speed limits will also improve economy. According to the AA, driving riving at 70mph uses up to 9 per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25 per cent more fuel than at 70mph too.
During the journey
Research from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents shows that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20 per cent of road accidents, so stopping if you feel tired is advised. Drinking caffeine or having a short 15-minute nap can help cope with the onset of tiredness.
Even if you are in a hurry, stay safe at all times and remember more haste, less speed. Maintain a safe distance with the vehicle in front and anticipate any potential dangers ahead. As a general rule, have at least 2 seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front. In fog, rain and at night, this should double to a minimum of 4 seconds.
Be aware of road signs and speed limits and constantly lookout for cyclists and pedestrians. Every year, around 400 people are killed in EU countries when drivers failed to detect objects in their blind spots during a manoeuvre.
It is always a good idea to assume that every other motorist will make a mistake, as we are only human after all. This is also important to remember for road rage incidents. It is easy to get annoyed and frustrated by another driver’s actions, but keeping your cool and rising above the situation will always have a more positive outcome.