Preventing the main causes of death on the roads
There are five main causes of death on the road. These are known as the fatal five:
- speeding
- not wearing your seatbelt
- distractions - using your mobile or a hand-held device
- drink and drugs
- careless and inconsiderate driving.
Here, you’ll find top tips on how to avoid these dangers and make sure that you’re staying safe whilst driving. Irresponsible driving doesn’t just risk your life, but the lives of others too. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
1. Speeding
Top 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 - streetlights mean 30mph (until signs tell you otherwise)
- when driving at 30mph, try using third gear to stay within the safe limit.
Even if you’re within the speed limit, make sure you’re driving appropriately. Think carefully about the road you’re on and any other conditions.
2. Not wearing your seatbelt
Remember – always wear your seatbelt. It’s against the law to not wear your seatbelt in vehicles where they are fitted.
3. Distractions - using your mobile or a hand-held device
It only takes you being briefly distracted by a glance at your phone screen for a fatal accident to happen. Whatever it is will still be there when you’re in a safe place to answer it - 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
- within Apple iPhone settings, go to Settings > Control Centre > 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 still be dangerously distracting. Operating SatNavs whilst driving is also an unsafe behaviour.
4. Drink and drugs
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 that lasts a year, 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’re 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.
5. Careless and inconsiderate driving
In order 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.
More resources
Visit the Learn2Live website for more road safety advice for young people, parents and teachers.