This year it has been widely reported that drink and drug driving is once again on the rise. Despite all the dire warnings some unthinking people still take to the road when intoxicated. Sensible people when going out for some festive cheer in a car, select a designated driver whose job it is to remain sober for the evening. It's a tough call but somebody has got to do it.
Driving out to a venue with sober friends at the start of an evening is one thing but at the end of the evening those same friends have been transformed in various ways; let's just say they are more jolly and this of itself can be a problem. They can be a major distraction.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a recognised thing. We have all seen it when out and about; people on the phone, parents turning round in their seats to deal with the unbearable children and so on. The results can be tragic because in-car distractions are reckoned to kill as many as seven people a month. Indeed, on average 4,454 road casualties were recorded in 2018 where driver distraction has been the main contributing factor and that doesn't even include mobile phone use.
Motor manufacturers are aware of this and increasingly are installing safety features which alert drivers to an impending shunt or even brake the car at slow speeds to prevent a collision. For the most part new cars are getting this kit as standard and, for example, some of our excellent selection of used cars, also feature it.
Bad Weather Ahead
Being stoically British we take bad weather on the chin and, as ever, the Meteorological Office is predicting snow and below average temperatures this December (hardly news) and our roads are accordingly extra dangerous. That's why designated drivers are being urged to indulge in a bit of forward planning and work out how to handle the distraction of noisy passengers.
Winter brings lots of additional factors into play, especially at this time of year. Roads can be icy or awash with rain and are busy with holiday and shopping traffic and our driving demands heightened concentration. Keeping eyes on the road is not help by hyperactive passengers and it is crucial that our poor, put-upon designated driver finds ways to stay calm and focussed.
Top Tips For Winter Driving
Even the best of us can get distracted; annoyances can affect anyone, even the most careful and experienced driver. That's why all drivers need to do everything they can to maintain a high standard behind the wheel. here's what we think:
- Stay Sober and stay focussed. Be the boss.
- Forward planning; routes, timings, diversions and the like so there's no need to rush.
- Make sure the car is on song by checking the oil levels and windscreen washer are topped up, tyres inflated and in good condition.
- See and be seen. make sure the lights are working and clean and that the windscreen isn't smeared or otherwise contaminated.
Stay safe on the road and think about your motoring needs for 2020. While every one else is getting loaded, load up your device with our website for a great selection of AA inspected and HPI checked used cars to suit all budgets. Treat yourself in the New Year; because, after your Christmas sacrifice, you're worth it.