Your Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads

We recently ran a competition asking you to send us your top safety tips – out of hundreds of entries, we picked the very best for you.

Cycling

Your cycling tips were largely related to being as visible as possible, as well as staying aware at all times:

“Be aware of what other road users are doing at all times.” – Claire Woods

“If you are riding a bike make sure it's all in working order, i.e. brakes and chains. Also wear hi-vis as much as you can - OK people might think you're too bright, but at least you will be seen. If at all possible, let someone know where you are going.” – Tracy Hanson

“As a full-time cycle commuter, I feel that to stay safe on the roads, you must be SEEN!! Fluorescent garments, and good lights are essential.“ – Lisette Davidson

Driving

Your driving tips were varied, often mentioning maintaining a safe distance from other road users, and keeping your vehicle well-maintained:

“Don’t tailgate other motorists and leave plenty of stopping distance.” – Steven Lane

“My top tip is to never drive faster than the speed limit, I live in a rural area and motorcyclists are injured and killed near where I live every summer - because they are going too fast... feeling the need for speed is not worth your life.” – Janet Bradley

“I drive a small car, so I always make sure when following a large vehicle, that I can see the vehicles mirrors. If I can’t see them, the driver can’t see me in their blind spots.” – Kerry Lynn

“Keep your car in good shape. Check tyres regularly, make sure that screen wash is topped up, and periodically check all your lights are in working order.” – Michael Peatman

“Pardon my insistence but keep your distance. So follow my lead and moderate your speed.” - Rick Haswell

Motorcycling

The key messages in your motorcycling tips were very similar to those around cycling – look after your equipment (it is Tyre Safety Month after all), and be aware of other road users:

“Always check tyres weekly, it can make a big difference in handling and braking - especially on two wheels.” – Antony Webb

“Always look twice before you turn at junctions, especially for those suddenly-appearing motorbikes.”  – Oli Marshall

Pedestrians

Everyone can benefit from these tips, as we’re all pedestrians. Your tips mentioned being alert to your surroundings, and making yourself visible, especially at night:

“When jogging at dawn, dusk or in overcast weather, invest in a hi-vis running vest. That way it’s easy for drivers and cyclists to spot you. Helping to keep everyone safe.” - Sabeena Sabir

General Safety Tips

Some of your tips were well-known classics – the two-second rule, as well as some that are simple but we often forget - such as checking your blind spot when appropriate:

“Don't tempt fate the texting can wait.” - Hannah, student at Glasgow Uni

“More haste, less speed. Give yourself time in busy, congested, or built-up areas.”  - Rebecca Hannah Jones

“Always be aware there could be walkers, cyclists or horses on country lanes so slow down!” - Emma Furniss

Thanks to everyone who entered and shared their safety tips – our winning entry was from Janice Dunn, who suggested investing in a dashboard camera in order to protect yourself, whether involved in an accident or witnessing one:

“Top tip for a car driver is to invest in a quality dashboard camera. It protects you in the event of an accident that wasn't your fault and protects against bogus claims. A must have.” – Janice Dunn

If you have any more you’d like to share, head over to our Facebook or Twitter pages and say hi.

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