Christmas motoring advice GEMs
GEM Motoring Assist, a road safety organisation, has come up with 12 driving tips aimed at keeping motorists safe over Christmas. It is estimated that more than 200 people die each year because of drink-driving; and the Christmas period, with all of its festivities and parties and the bad weather, is a particularly dangerous time for motorists. However, following this advice could save your, and others, lives.
- don't drive if you're having a drink - take a taxi instead;
- always wear your seatbelt;
- keep children safe by ensuring their belts and restraints are fitted correctly, and make sure they can be easily seen if they're walking;
- if you're buying a real tree, tie it down securely when transporting it by car. Also, don't let it obstruct your views;
- slow down, and stick to the limit. Make sure you give yourself enough time to stop (especially on those icy and snowy days!);
- don't drive when tired, share the driving if possible;
- if you're on medication that could make you drowsy, try and avoid driving;
- check tyre treads and pressure before winter journeys. Your car won't be effective during an emergency stop if your tyres are not maintained;
- remember, if you had a drink on a night out, you could still be over the legal limit the morning after, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time after drinking to allow the alcohol to leave your system before getting into a car;
- don't let yourself become distracted when driving at Christmas. This means no phones, no fiddling with sat-navs and try and encourage children to let you concentrate on the slippy roads;
- pay particular attention for vulnerable people, such as children, drunk pedestrians etc;
- don't use that new mobile phone that you got for Christmas in the car. Remember to focus on the road.
Much of this advice also applies to those who are driving for work over the festive period. Safety first on the roads!
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