Getting back to Driving after Lockdown

After many months in lockdown, more and more of us are getting out and about and using our cars once again. It may sound silly, but after many months of not driving, or only doing short trips to the supermarket, you may find that you’re out of the habit of driving. The last thing anyone wants is to be involved in a road traffic accident, so what can you do to ensure you stay safe now that you’re back out on the roads?

Queens of the road

According to RTA Claim experts First4Lawyers, statistically speaking, women are safer drivers than men. Research shows that 79% of the half a million motoring offences committed each year, are by men, and male speeders outnumber women by 3:1. Men are twice as likely as women to be caught driving without tax and three times more likely to be driving uninsured!

They are also five times more likely than women to be caught drink driving. Unfortunately, simply being a woman isn’t enough to keep you safe on the roads, so what else should you be considering to avoid becoming involved in a crash?

Maintenance

After many months off the road, now is the time to give your car the once over. Before you set off on any journeys, check your fluid levels, this includes, fuel, oil, brake and transmission as well as washer fluid.

You should also check your tyre pressure and tread. Worn tyres can be a recipe for disaster, and despite not being used recently, this is a great opportunity to make sure your car is in tip top condition.

Your front and rear lights should also be tested.

Test yourself

It might sound extreme, but it might be sensible to take a couple of short runs out before embarking on any road trips, just to get comfortable behind the wheel again.

Safety first

Once back out on the roads make sure you and your passengers stay safe by wearing your seatbelt. Seatbelts restrain you in the event of an accident and keep you safely within the confines of the car, rather than being thrown out. They also protect you from injuring others in the car, so there really is no excuse not to be wearing one correctly at all times!

Know your speed

It can be easy to become distracted when driving and before you know it, the speedometer has crept up. UK car speed limits are generally 30mph in urban areas, 60mph on main single-carriageway roads, and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways. When driving around town, if you keep the car in third gear you’ll more easily notice when you approach 30mph and can adjust your speed accordingly.