The end of one year and the start of another is often a time for reflection and goal setting for many of us, so let’s turn our attention to road safety for 2023. Preventing road accidents and deaths is a year-round responsibility for all drivers, but how many of us driving for work are taking the time to think about how we can take action to make our roads safer for all?

A staggering 1,608 people were killed and 26,701 were seriously injured on UK roads in 2021 alone, so it’s vital all drivers make changes to protect road users. Driving more safely also has wide reaching business benefits, as it reduces vehicle off road time due to collisions – something many businesses can’t afford to overlook. To help fleet drivers remain mindful behind the wheel, here are five road safety resolutions for 2023 and beyond:

  • Reduce your speed – did you know, an average speed increase of just one mile per hour can increase crash frequency by 5%? Speed limits are there for a reason, they keep you – and other road users – safe on different types of roads. Take the time to know the different speed limits, check your speed regularly as you drive and allow plenty of time for your journey so you’re not time pressured. If it’s safe to do so, you can use the cruise control setting on your vehicle to maintain a safe speed within the road’s limit.
  • Avoid distractions – driving requires your sole focus. Put simply, if you’re distracted by something other than driving, then you’re at higher risk of an accident. Distractions could be both in and outside of the vehicle and include eating, drinking, conversations and using technology, such as a mobile phone. If you need to make a call, or have a snack, make sure you pull over where it’s safe. And, whenever you’re driving keep the focus on yourself, don’t be led by the speed others are driving around you.
  • Be mindful of your own wellbeing – before you get behind the wheel, take a moment to assess how you feel. Are you tired, stressed, under pressure, dehydrated? Any of these things can distract you and lead to an accident on the road. If you’re tired, your concentration will be impacted, you’ll be slower to react and there’s a risk you’ll fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of the vehicle. And, did you know, even mild dehydration can cause fatigue? Be sure to monitor how you’re feeling throughout your journey and take breaks when you need them.
  • Be aware of blind spots – a blind spot is an area of the road you can’t see through your front and rear windscreens or mirrors and in a car is generally the left and right rear sides. It’s critical you turn to check these spots if you’re changing lanes, as there could be a vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian there. Don’t forget, it’s not just you that has blind spots. Be mindful of vans and lorries that don’t have the same field of vision. If you can see them, it doesn’t always mean they can see you.
  • Prioritise vulnerable road users – in January 2022 the Highway Code changed to reflect a new hierarchy of road users to protect the vulnerable. The order is pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles. It’s essential you keep up to date with the Highway Code to make sure you’re complying with updates and keeping other road users safe. You can view our driving advisory here for the full details of this change.

Keep safe out there and let’s all do our part to make 2023 a year of no road deaths.


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