Tips to help you stick to the speed limit

• Make a habit of checking your speedometer regularly
• Look for road signs, especially at junctions
• Remember – street lights mean 30mph until signs tell you otherwise
• When driving at 30mph, try using third gear to stay within the safe limit

Even if you are within the speed limit, make sure you are driving appropriately. Think carefully about the road you are on and any other conditions.

Always wear your seatbelt.

It is against the law to not wear a seatbelt in vehicles where they are fitted.

It only takes a brief glance at your phone for a fatal accident to happen. Whatever it is will still be there when you are in a safe place to answer it. This means safely parked, off the road, with the engine switched off and the keys out of the ignition.

Some ways to avoid the temptation

• Switch off your phone or device before you set off
• Divert your phone to voicemail
• For Apple iPhones – go to settings, Control Centre and tap ‘Do not disturb while driving’
• For Android users – download the Live2Txt app. This allows you to block calls and texts whilst on the road.

Even though hand-held device kits are legal, they can be dangerously distracting. Operating SatNavs whilst driving is also an unsafe behaviour.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could lead to your or someone else’s death.

It also has serious penalties, such as a driving ban, a criminal record, in some cases a conviction on your licence (that will be visible to employers if you drive for work) and up to 14 years in prison if you kill someone when drunk or drug driving.

• Make a plan, so you have a way to get to or from your destination without having to drive yourself or others.
• Don’t accept drinks if you are planning to drive and don’t offer drinks to someone who you know will be driving.
• Do not get a lift with someone who is under the influence. Your life is just as much at risk as a passenger.

Should you be driving?

The only way to be truly safe when driving is to not drink at all, however, you should still know the legal limits. Be aware that the next morning, you could easily still be over the limit.

Here are some examples of the minimum times that have to have passed before you can safely drive again.

• For three large glasses (250ml) of wine – At least 11.5 hours from finishing the last drink
• For four pints of 4% lager – At least 10 hours and 20 minutes from finishing the last drink
• For three pints of 6% lager – At least 15 hours from finishing the last drink.
• For four double 40% spirits (50ml) – At least 9 hours from finishing the last drink.
• For four 5% alcopops (275ml) – At least 6 hours and 40 minutes from finishing the last drink.

To be safe on the road, you need to concentrate at all times.

Here are some examples of dangerous behaviours to avoid.

• Driving too close to the vehicle in front
• Not giving way at a junction
• Eating or drinking at the wheel
• Under-taking or dangerous over-taking