Road Safety

Road safety is a diverse and complex issue. Maintaining and developing safer roads, and reducing accidents and deaths on the roads, is reliant on a range of different factors. As an often over simplified issue, improved road safety is a goal that everyone wants to achieve and there are a wealth of government agencies, groups and charities each trying to achieve this goal in many different ways.

 

The aim of this section is to give you a view of the bigger-picture by looking at the many areas that make up road safety, and to give you help and advice on how you can improve your driving and vehicle maintenance. The goal; to improve your safety, reduce risk, and improve your knowledge.

Speed is a factor in every accident. By reason of the fact a vehicle is moving, its a factor. However, road safety experts agree that speed isn’t the only factor in accidents and road safety, and in most cases it’s not even the primary cause. We believe it’s time for a fair and balanced approach to Road Safety that looks at tackling all issues, not just one of the issues.

Driver Training

Driver training is a huge issue in relation to road safety. While cars, roads and technology have advanced in terms of safety over the years the driving ability of the nation is key to keeping roads safe. The Driving standards Agency look after the initial training of new drivers and administer a national standard driving test to make sure that a driving license can only be obtained once a certain standard is reached.

The Institute of advanced motorists is one such organisation that actively promotes advancing ones driving technique and becoming an advanced driver. They operate a national scheme for British drivers that consists of theoretical and practical instruction as well as a test to qualify you as an Advanced Driver. Increasing your driving skills by using their methods, skills and system is seen as an effective way of improving your own safety as a driver,

"Statistics show that your chances of having an accident are cut by two-thirds once you have passed the Advanced Driving Test. Also when you handle your vehicle safely and economically there should be less resulting wear and tear, both on the driver and passengers’ nerves as well as the engine..." I.A.M. quote

"Most drivers think they are both safer and more skillful than the average driver, yet in 95% of accidents human error, mainly unsafe driving practices, is the major cause..."
RoSPA quote