Did you know there are around 333,000 road traffic accidents every year in the UK? People never expect to get into an accident when they get behind the wheel, but this is incredibly common, and you could be involved in an accident without doing anything wrong. This is why road safety and understanding collision prevention should be at the forefront of your mind every time that you drive. Keep reading to find out more.
The Three E’s of Road Safety
There are three E’s when it comes to road safety that are key for preventing collisions and creating a safe environment:Engineering: Road design and infrastructure improvements, including road signs, road surface maintenance, traffic signals, etc.
- Education: Teaching motorists how to drive safely and make smart decisions behind the wheel. This includes driving lessons, public awareness campaigns, school safety programs, etc.Â
- Enforcement: Traffic laws and their implementation to create safe roads for all users. This includes speed limits, drink-driving laws, mobile phone usage, etc.Â
These three E’s work together to create a safe environment for all road users, but accidents can still happen. If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault and suffer an injury, you could make a personal injury claim to seek compensation to cover the costs.Â
Essential Collision Prevention Techniques
There are a number of collision prevention techniques that motorists need to master and utilise:
- Maintaining a safe follow distance: Give yourself enough time to react and adjust distance based on weather conditions.
- Proper use of turn signals and check wing mirrors: Let other motorists know your intentions early and check mirrors before making a move.Â
- Avoiding distractions whilst driving: Maintain focus by putting your phone away and avoiding loud music and eating while driving.
- Adapting to weather and road conditions: Weather and road conditions can vary in the UK, so adjustments should be made, including driving slower when the surfaces are wet/icy.
- Importance of vehicle maintenance: Perform regular maintenance to keep the car in roadworthy condition and reduce the chance of a breakdown.Â
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
These days, there are a number of modern safety technologies that can make a big difference:
- Lane departure warnings: An alert when motorists drift out of their lane without signalling.
- Automatic emergency braking: Brakes applied automatically if the driver does not react in time.
- Blind-spot detection: Warns motorists when vehicles are in their blind spot.
Every motorist needs to prioritise safety each and every time they get behind the wheel. Accidents are common on the roads despite the three E’s, collision prevention techniques, and modern safety technologies. However, you can significantly reduce the chance of being involved in an accident when you make safety a top priority and stay focused when on the roads.