{"id":8544,"date":"2019-04-17T10:57:38","date_gmt":"2019-04-17T10:57:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/?p=8544"},"modified":"2019-04-17T10:57:39","modified_gmt":"2019-04-17T10:57:39","slug":"easter-road-safety-tips-for-drivers-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/easter-road-safety-tips-for-drivers-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Easter road safety tips for drivers & families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we approach Easter, eDriving<\/a> is providing the following safety tips to help keep drivers and their families safe on the roads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check your vehicle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure your vehicle is\nin good condition. Carry out checks including fluid levels, fuel, lights, tyre pressures,\ntyre condition, brakes, battery and wiper blades. Consult a professional if\nyou\u2019re unsure how to carry out any checks. Pack \u2013 or check \u2013 your emergency kit\n(include blankets, water, non-perishable food, car charger for your phone,\nwarning triangle, basic first-aid kit, flashlight). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Plan your trip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid peak travel times if you can. In the UK, the lead up to Easter weekend is a busy time on the roads, with Good Friday particularly busy. Check weather forecasts and travel updates before you set out. Put off travelling if weather conditions are bad. Always let someone know your travel plans and estimated time of arrival. More information: eDriving\u2019s Best Practice Guide, Journey Planning<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pack safely <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful not to\noverload your vehicle as this can affect suspension, handling and braking\ncapabilities. Look for maximum weight limits on a sticker inside the driver\u2019s\ndoor or in your vehicle owner\u2019s manual. Avoid putting items in \u2013 or behind \u2013\nthe driver\u2019s footwell and be aware that small items in the rear footwell could\nslide forward while your vehicle is in motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Drive well-rested <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving while tired affects driving ability in the same way as drinking alcohol; it reduces reaction times and affects concentration and co-ordination. Be sure to have a good night\u2019s sleep before you set off \u2013 and take regular breaks from driving \u2013 at least 15 minutes every two hours. More information: eDriving\u2019s Best Practice Guide, Fatigue<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Plan a distraction-free drive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack an assortment of quiet activities (such as books and games consoles \u2013 with headphones) to help occupy younger passengers. Explain to family members before you set off that you need to focus on the road to keep everyone safe. Set up technology such as GPS before you travel. Either turn your phone off or on silent before you travel or give it to a family member for them to take care of texts\/ calls for you. More information: eDriving\u2019s Best Practice Guide, Distracted Driving<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Ensure everyone is buckled up <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a basic step, but a life-saving one! Only\nset off once everyone has fastened their seat belts correctly. Make sure children\nare seated in appropriate seats \u2013 check requirements here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Stick to a safe speed, appropriate to\nconditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always travel at a speed that enables you to stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear. Remember that a three-second following distance is for good conditions only. More information: eDriving\u2019s Best Practice Guide, Speeding<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Look out for other road users <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When roads are busy there are increased risks from other road users! During peaks times for family travel remember that other drivers might be distracted by their children; they might be under pressure to get to their destination; they might be unfamiliar with the roads they are on. Drive defensively to help keep you and your family away from problems on the road. Defensive driving helps you to anticipate the actions of others, remain alert to everything around you and leave a safety space around your vehicle. More information: eDriving\u2019s Best Practice Guide: Defensive Driving<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Put your family\u2019s safety first  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop off only at\nservice stations or other dedicated rest locations. Plan rest stops in busy\/\nwell-lit areas and remove everything of value from your vehicle as soon as you\narrive at your destination. Park in a location that allows you to keep an eye\non your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Drive sober <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking and driving does not mix, ever. Keep the \u201cmorning after effect\u201d in mind and remember that you could still be impaired even if you feel fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe driving! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we approach Easter, eDriving is providing the following safety tips to help keep drivers and their families safe on the roads. 1. Check your vehicle Ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Carry out checks including fluid levels, fuel, lights, tyre pressures, tyre condition, brakes, battery and wiper blades. Consult a professional if you\u2019re […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":8545,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-safety-updates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8544"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8544\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8544"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8544"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.edriving.com\/three60\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}