Gear up to drive away car deaths

THE reduction in road deaths is something to applaud – but surely even one fatality is one too many.

Despite Government campaigns and harrowing TV adverts on the impact of irresponsible driving we still fail to grasp how vigilant we must be behind the wheel.

A car is a potential killing machine – and many of us who have driven for years will admit complacency often creeps in.

We forget how careful we once were when we first sat in the driver’s seat.

Whether or not hands-free units help is arguable as people are locked into conversations when their eyes should be on the road.

That brief glance down to check a text message not only risks your life, but the lives of others.

As for drink-driving, it would be easier to regulate if we weren’t allowed any alcohol at all.

We dither over things like one or two units, resulting in a grey area of, “I’m fine to drive, I’ve only had a few” – we need to wise up.

What’s worse, and can’t be penalised, is tiredness – if you feel sleepy, you need to pull over and rest for a short period.

Feeling fatigued behind the wheel is one of the most dangerous states you can be in.

And lastly, slow down. Reducing speed is crucial – we rush in life and on the road.

But are we in such a hurry for death?