STAYING SAFE ON THE ROADS
Summer is the most dangerous time of the year to use the road, writes Brian Farrell
PEOPLE assume that there are more driving risks in winter because of the poor weather, bad road conditions and more hours of darkness but it’s actually these obvious risks that make winter safer. We are more cautious when faced with the challenges of using the road in winter. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, the weather is fine and days brighter, we lower our guard.
In the last three years 142 people have died between June and August, with July typically being the most dangerous month of all. If last year’s pattern of fatalities is repeated, this will probably mean that vulnerable road users will be disproportionately represented. Cyclists and pedestrians, particularly children and older people, will be among this number. Motorcyclists will also account for a proportion. There will be driver and passenger deaths too. Alcohol and speed will be contributing factors. The failure to wear a seatbelt will, sadly, probably be a factor in about a third too.
While the temptation in summer might be to relax more when using the road, the reality is that we cannot afford to let our guard down. The roads are going to be very busy with local festivals, sporting events and people travelling the length and breadth of the country for a break, while more people will be out walking and cycling.
There will also be an increase in the number of tractors using the road. If stuck behind a tractor, please be patient and don’t be tempted into any foolish or rash overtaking. Look out, too, for machinery leaving fields and farm yards. Farmers need to be safety-conscious too. If the traffic is building up behind, keep left where safe to allow others pass safely.
If you are planning on holidaying at home, it’s only natural for your driving style to reflect the holiday mood. But when combined with driving on unfamiliar roads, it can be a dangerous mix. Understand too that we will be sharing the roads this summer with foreign tourists who may not be used to driving on the left.
When towing another vehicle, including caravans or boat trailers, remember that it will affect the way the car performs. Caravans increase the fuel consumption of a car, decrease its acceleration and braking ability, and can affect a vehicle’s general control. Remember, a speed limit of 80kph applies to towing vehicles.
Plan frequent breaks to avoid tiredness. If you are travelling on the Friday or Monday of the June or August bank holidays, Applegreen will provide free cups of coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm at any of their participating service stations. Simply mention the RSA at the till.
A concern this year, as with the previous two years, is the number of motorcycle fatalities. Half of all crashes involving motorcyclists are caused by other drivers. We really need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists. The rule of thumb is: look once for cars and look twice for bikes. This is especially important when turning at a junction, overtaking and when joining a major road from a minor one.
When the weather is warm, it’s tempting to wear jeans and a T-shirt when you’re motorcycling. But if not wearing proper gear, you risk horrific injuries if you come off the bike. Every time you get on a bike, wear proper protective equipment. But most importantly of all if you are biking never drink and motorcycle. Our recent pre-crash report on motorcycle fatalities showed that alcohol consumption by bikers, especially on Sunday afternoons, is a big factor in biker casualties.