8-simple-but-important-road-safety-tips

8 simple but important road safety tips

As the days begin to shorten and the weather starts to turn, it’s more important than ever to stay safe on the road. Here are ten simple but important tips to help you arrive safely at your destination.

1. Start fresh Make sure you’re well-rested and well-fed. If you have a long drive in the morning, try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a solid breakfast. Be careful with coffee; it might wake you up and make you feel alert but this feeling can recede over time. You might stay awake but your attention may wander.

2. Take a break If you’re starting to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Get a snack, walk around, get some fresh air. Take a nap if necessary. Remember to park up in safe spot, well in off the road.

3. Bring a friend Having someone to share driving responsibilities with can be of great assistance. That way you can each get plenty of rest, not to mention the added bonus of having someone to talk to which will help keep you alert.

4. Never drink and drive This is an obvious one but just one drink can impair your judgement. If you must take your car to a social function, make sure you have either a designated driver or some other way of getting home.

5. Put your phone down We’d all be lost without our phones but this is the one situation where we really need to do without them. The slightest distraction could prove disastrous on the road so be sure to leave it to one side until you get to where you’re going. If you absolutely have to take calls while driving, install a hands-free kit.

6. Check your car Checking that your car is in good working order before setting off on a journey can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated, your fluids okay and you have a full tank of petrol (or at least more than enough for your trip).

7. Buckle up Another obvious one but you everyone in your car should wear their seatbelt at all times. Even on very short journeys.

8. Be prepared Ensure that you’re ready for the road ahead by checking the weather forecast and keeping an eye on traffic updates. Staying ahead of the game and making slight detours could end up saving you a lot of time and hassle.

We hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any questions about road safety or your insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Take care,

The Team at GMIB.ie