Be aware and drive with care

Rather disturbingly, a third of owners of brand new cars will have damaged it within the first 2 months. Whether through carelessness, being unfamiliar with controls or having a car much more powerful than their last one, the bill for repairs comes to £402 million nationally. Cars are packed with more technology than ever before, meaning more temptation to become distracted. This is another reason why you should visit a MOT Gloucester centre such as swift fit uk each year to ensure your car is road legal. Mobile phone use by drivers is still causing major problems despite being illegal and today’s cars seem to be getting bigger, while parking spaces are shrinking so bumps while manoeuvering are very commonplace.

What are the most common causes of accidents on the UK roads?

As a nation, we have a pretty good record when it comes to road safety. Sweden has the safest roads in the world and we are only 0.7% behind this in terms of deaths per 100,000 people. However, the figure could be better so there is still room for improvement. Here are the problems:

Lack of observation

Drink-driving

Speeding

No seat-belt worn

Careless or aggressive driving

Nearly half of all collisions involved drivers who did not look properly and is the biggest single reason for a collision. A lack of concentration seems to be the issue, maybe due to tiredness or over familiarity with the commute. Messing with the stereo or trying to type out a hasty text is no defence when your eyes should be firmly on the road.

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Remember the following rules:

Leave a two second gap between you and the car in front, longer in poor weather conditions.

Don’t drive while tired or under the influence of drink or drugs.

Leave your phone out of sight.

Wear your seatbelt.

Stick to the speed limits and think bike.

If you should happen to be involved in a ‘fender bender’ you will want to visit a car repair shop. If this happens to you and there’s minor damage but nobody is hurt then remember the following advice: immediately look for other car’s license plate number, make and model in case they decide to drive off. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists to the possible obstruction. Call the police on a non-emergency number particularly if there is damage as the police report may help the insurance claim.

Be careful of passing traffic and only get out of your vehicle if it is safe to do so. Make sure nobody is hurt, look for possible witnesses and exchange details with the other driver involved. Lastly, when all is safely moved and you can return home, file a claim with your insurance company.

Damage to a car involved in a minor collision could include scratches, dents to the bodywork and possibly unseen damage that means you should always have your car checked over by a qualified mechanic after even a minor bump. Collisions can cause frame damage, shunts can cause problems with airbag deployment and there may even be steering system misalignment, exhaust and engine damage or tyre and wheel rim damage. If in doubt, get it checked out.