National Road Victim Month
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Learning to drive and getting a license can give you more independence, but it's important to stay safe on the roads.
National Road Victim Month
The campaign takes place throughout august and aims to highlight the danger on the roads which have caused 3,000 deaths in the UK.
There is a specific reason why the campaign takes place in August - Bridget Driscoll, one of the first ever road victims, and Diana Princess of Wales, both died this month. August is also the height of the holidays, so most kids are out and about on the roads.
The facts
Passing your driving test may be one of the biggest achievements of your life - all the lessons paid off right? However, you won’t be driving with an instructor anymore and it’s on you to keep yourself and pedestrians safe.
Here are some figures about newly qualified drivers:-
- One in five people get into accidents within six months of passing their test.
- 70 per cent report very close calls
- 20 per cent of car deaths are caused by young drivers
- Only one eighth of license holders are 25 or under, but they still cause a third of all fatal accidents.
Don’t be disheartened by these facts though.
Watch this video, it could help you out.
Do the right thing
Here are a few more safety tips for drivers
Belt Up
Seatbelts should always be strapped tightly. If you get stopped by the police and someone else isn’t strapped up, you could still get the blame. Check out the law.
Slow down
Never speed and only overtake if it is safe to do so.
Back away
Keep a safe distance away from the car in front of you.
Wake up
Try to avoid driving/cycling at times when you should be sleeping. However, if you've got to, keep your windows down.
Mobiles off
Never answer your phone whilst driving or cycling. If you need to, stop where it is safe and then answer.
Mirror friendly
Always use mirrors when you need to - and no, not just to stare at your reflection!
No alcohol
You’re only allowed 35 micrograms in 100 millilitres of blood – which isn’t a lot of alcohol and you could easily go over the limit without being drunk. This could lead to a driving ban or a fine.
Working together
Whether you’re still taking driving tests or just got your license, you can take part in an ‘education drive’ to learn about some real life consequences of reckless driving. National Road Victim is working with BSM driving school, to offer free educational programmes for under 19’s.
