Safe driving – Tips for avoiding accidents

It’s time to prepare for the road, whether travelling long distance, or simply coping with the higher volumes of traffic or the heavy summer rains in parts of the country at this time of year.

While some things are beyond our control, such as hazardous conditions, there is a lot we can do as drivers to promote road safety and avoid accidents, starting with the roadworthiness of our vehicles and the condition of our tyres.

Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive by checking your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers and your hooter and test your brakes to make sure they are working properly. Also check your tyre pressure is correct as per your car’s vehicle owner’s manual and look for signs of tread wear and damage. Your tyre tread should be more than 1.6mm across the breadth of the tyre, so check that the tread depth indicators (set in the groove of the tyre) are below the tread depth. If they are above, or at the same level as the tread, it is time to replace your tyre. Replacing damaged and worn tyres will go a long way to enhancing the safety of your vehicle on the road. Download the Dunlop MyTyres app to find your nearest accredited professional fitment centre.
Smooth or damaged tyres can lead to accidents on the road, increasing your braking distance and preventing you being able to stop suddenly if need be. When replacing your tyres, it is always best to replace with new tyres, as buying second-hand tyres leaves you open to increased risks with around 60% of these tyres being unsafe and illegal for use on the road. Remember, you don’t know where that second-hand tyre has been, how it was maintained, or even if the grooves have been deepened by an unscrupulous dealer regrooving them – a highly illegal practice.
In addition to unsafe vehicles, accidents are often related to driver reaction, such as aggressive or sudden swerving, over-reaction, or excessive braking. Before starting out on a long journey, make sure you are fit for the road by avoiding alcohol and getting a good night’s rest. Once you set out, take regular breaks, stay hydrated and keep your eyes on the road. Don’t use your cell phone while driving and if you are travelling with children, keep them entertained with games and the ‘Are we there Yet?’ podcasts, brought to you by Dunlop in association with Book Dash, so that you can stay focused.
Be prepared for high traffic volumes which mean longer hours behind the wheel by making sure you have snacks and water handy to keep you going and watch out for drowsy or distracted drivers. Check out the traffic on your map app to see which routes are congested.
Accidents happen when drivers fail to respond to risks associated with different driving conditions, such as rain, fog, high winds, and night driving on unfamiliar roads. New or well-maintained tyres with optimal tread depth will enhance the safety of your vehicle, and it’s up to you, as the driver, to drive carefully in hazardous conditions. In heavy rain, slow down so you have more control over your vehicle and braking is easier. Turn your lights on and double the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Stay out of puddles that can hide potholes and flood your brakes. If your brakes get flooded, dry them by driving with the pedal down till they start working again. If spray from an oncoming vehicle blinds you, grip the wheel firmly, stay off the brake and be ready to brake when the view clears. Stay in the middle lane as water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Drive in the tyre wipes/tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
At night it is very difficult to judge the difference between a wet road and flood water. If fences and guardrails look abnormally low, the road may be flooded. After a dry spell, the first rain can make the road dangerously slippery as the rain mixes with oil and other residues on the road surface, putting you at a higher risk of losing control. Remember, in wet weather your brakes won’t respond as quickly as in dry conditions, so look ahead as far as you can, and slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator. Avoid braking suddenly as this can cause your car to skid.

And remember, regardless of the type of hazardous condition be it low visibility, poor road surface, wet roads, or high winds, the number one tip is to reduce your speed.

Safe driving – Tips for avoiding accidents

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