Five simple tips for a safe year on the roads

GEM Motoring Assist is urging all road users to put safety at the top of their 2023 agenda.

Around five people die every day on the road in the UK, while 84 suffer serious, life-changing injury. GEM is committed to playing its part in raising awareness of – and  reducing – these preventable tragedies that have such a devastating impact on families, individuals and communities.

Thinking about road safety makes particularly good sense in January. After all, there is the end of the holidays, the new school term, the long winter nights and the threat of bad weather. Any or all of these can pose a risk to safety, according to GEM.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth says the New Year offers everyone an opportunity for resolving to reduce risk on road journeys. “If we all commit to a few minor changes in the way we use the roads, the benefits for everyone will be significant, and we will all be doing our bit for road safety,” he says.

“It could be as simple as leaving five minutes early to keep stress levels down on journeys, refreshing your knowledge of the Highway Code or making a commitment to banish distractions on journeys.

“These can all be achieved with little effort, but the effect they can have on a safer road environment is massive.

“As road users, let’s help each other and work together to create a safer environment for everyone, all year round.”

GEM has five simple, straightforward tips to help drivers make worthwhile New Year’s resolutions:

 

Before a journey
Take a few minutes to plan and check your route before you set out. This will help ensure you don’t get lost, and by leaving five minutes early you won’t end up rushing and making risky decisions.

Pay attention
Give the road your full attention. Don’t be distracted by passengers, mobile phones or private thoughts.

Hold back
Make a pledge that you won’t react to the actions of other drivers. Nobody’s perfect, so don’t waste time and increase risk by trying to rebuke another road user. Focus on holding back and staying safe.

Choose your speeds wisely
The speeds you use are entirely your own choice, so ensure you make wise decisions to keep your speed both legal and appropriate for the conditions. Time and space are two commodities you can never have enough of when driving.

Be alert
Don’t drive tired. Around 25% of all fatal or serious injury crashes are sleep related, so if you feel exhausted, or become tired on a long drive, then stop and rest.