Road Safety

Safer behaviour by all road users can help to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads every year.

Motorists

Winter driving advice

Listen to weather reports and warnings, and if possible, avoid driving in snow
Avoid setting off when it’s snowing heavily or is forecast to
Prepare your vehicle for driving in snow: make sure it’s well maintained and that your tyres are in good condition
Make sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle
Keep an ice scraper and de-icer in your vehicle, as well as a shovel
If going on longer journeys, have a warm blanket and spare warm clothing with you, including appropriate footwear
Use the highest gear you can for moving off
Avoid any sudden braking or steering through good forward planning and adequate safety margin

General advice

Maintain your vehicle and carry out basic safety checks prior to any journey
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Don’t drive tired – take regular breaks on long journeys
Pass wide and slow when overtaking vulnerable road users such as horse riders, cyclists or walkers – watch the Hampshire Constabulary video at the top of this page.
Adjust your driving to suit the weather conditions
Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road incidents – the speed limit is the absolute maximum and it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions
Read the road ahead and anticipate potential hazards
Keep your distance to allow you time to react
Always check for bikes (motorcyclists and cyclists)
Follow the highway code

Mobile Phones

You’re four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving

It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices. The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

The penalties for holding and using your phone while driving is 6 points and £200.

Put your phone away before driving so you won’t be tempted to use it.
Don’t call other people when they’re driving.
Use hands free devices responsibly.

Watch Hampshire Constabulary’s video on the consequences of using a mobile phone when driving:

Seatbelts

Approximately 2,000 people a year are saved by wearing seat belts. Drivers caught without a seatbelt face on-the-spot fines of £100. If prosecuted, the maximum fine is £500

Always wear a seatbelt. In a crash you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t.
Wear your seatbelt correctly so it can offer you the best possible protection in a crash.

Child car seats

All children up to 135cm tall (around 4’5″), or the age of 12, whichever comes first, seated in the front or rear of cars, vans and other goods vehicles must travel in the correct child restraint for their weight with very few exceptions

For more information and tips on the safe fitting of car seats visit Hampshire County Council’s road safety pages

Motorcyclists

Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths.

Wear the right gear
Anticipate the actions of others
Be alert, observant and ready to stop if the unexpected happens
Position yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
Take a ‘lifesaver’ glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres, so you know where others are and what they’re doing
Watch out for slip hazards, such as white line markings, drain covers or fuel spills

For further advice visit Think!

Cyclists

Riding a bike is safe – nationally the number of cyclists killed on roads has fallen to its lowest level on record since 2010.

While it important that all road users look out for each other there are steps we can take to help keep ourselves safer when cycling

‘Hang back’ at junctions to avoid getting caught between a lorry and left hand turn
Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen
Wear appropriate visible and reflective clothing and a helmet
Make sure you have working lights before you set out, if you are or will be cycling at night
Signal to show drivers what you plan to do
Follow the Highway Code including observing ‘stop’ and ‘give way’ signs and traffic lights

Find out about cycle training programme Bikeability.

Pedestrians

Be seen – wear some white, bright, or light clothing, particularly on dull days or in the evening. Take a torch with you if you know you’ll be walking on unlit roads.

Avoid distractions – pay attention to other road users and don’t be distracted by friends, mobile phones or mp3 players.