Road safety

You may think you’re used to multi-tasking: but texting and using the internet while you’re watching TV isn’t the same as doing so while you’re behind the wheel. Your reaction times are 50 per cent slower while talking on a phone and you’re four times more likely to be involved in a collision if you use a mobile while driving.

Distracted driving isn’t just dangerous for you – it puts your passengers, other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at risk too.

Whether you’re young or old, using a mobile phone, texting, using in-vehicle technologies (such as satnavs) and even eating can distract you from the road. Even if it’s just for a few seconds – that’s all it takes to have or cause a collision .

Please remember:

• There’s no safe way to use a phone whilst driving – turn it off or put it on silent, and put it out of reach
• Be a safe passenger – let the driver focus on the road
• Just drive – eating, drinking and smoking whilst driving reduces your reaction time
• Set your satnav or your sound system before you drive. If you need to adjust them, pull over in a safe place.

Driving plays a significant role in our daily lives, yet it's crucial to acknowledge that our driving skills change over time due to various factors, particularly as we age. It is important for us to identify and understand the changes occurring in our driving abilities, enabling us to prioritise safety for ourselves and those around us.

For more information, visit the Safer Roads Partnership advice for mature drivers.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, riding a horse, or on a motorbike, statistics show that you’re at higher risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road collision compared to other road users. The #ShareTheRoad campaign encourages everyone to use the road safely and look out for those who may be more vulnerable.

Be kind and considerate to each other and follow these tips:

• Look out for one another to help keep each other safe on the roads.
• Give other road users the space they need to use the road safely. If you’re passing a cyclist leave at least 1.5 metres between you, if you’re passing a horse rider always remember to slow down on the approach and pass slowly, giving the horse room.
• If you’re passing a tractor or farm machinery, make sure the road is wide and long enough to pass safely as some farm machinery can be wider than the standard road lane.
• Give yourself extra time for your journey so you don’t have to rush.
• Look twice at road junctions, before turning, overtaking, or before crossing the road to make sure it’s safe. If you’re driving, make sure to check your blind spot too.
• If you’re going for a walk or cycle in the dark, always make sure you wear light coloured clothing (reflective is best to make you visible to other road users) and carry a torch or use cycle lights.
• Teach your kids about road safety.