Mind how you go

Experts offer safety tips as Scots drivers are allowed to take longer journeys

SCOTS are being offered a host of vehicle and driving advice as, from today, the vast majority can travel more than five miles for leisure purposes as the lockdown guidelines are eased further.

Experts from a wide range of road safety and breakdown organisations, including GEM Motoring Assist, IAM RoadSmart, RoSPA, the RAC and Green Flag spoke to Road Record – all keen to ensure you can complete longer journeys without incident.

Planning your trips was a key bit of advice – ensuring places to stop for a break or refuelling have reopened and checking out parking options at the destination.

The importance of motorists and bikers gently easing themselves back into life on the road was also emphasised.

If you have not driven or ridden for a few weeks, it takes time to get the judgment of speed and distance back, not to mention tackling junctions, roundabouts and motorways.

You should also remember that other road users may be feeling the same or even less confident than you – so take that into account as you come across others on your travels.

Another essential message was to keep calm and focussed, with tips including everything from using breathing exercises to switching off the sound system so that you banish distractions.

IAM warned people to watch out for potholes and wonky drain covers as many road repairs have been delayed by the lockdown. You will also need to anticipate coming across many more cyclists and pedestrians, either exercising or commuting.

The organisation also pointed out that you should travel with hand sanitiser, wipes and a face mask, and to be careful when handling fuel pumps – using a disposable glove or cleaning your hands immediately after refilling.

And if you do have a prang of some sort, make sure your insurance and address details are readily to hand – and remember to maintain social distancing as you exchange information.

RoSPA’s Nick Lloyd said: “With the easing of travel restrictions, there’s potentially another danger around the next corner as more people drive further afield.”

He urged motorists to take a minimum break of 15 minutes every two hours to help prevent accidents.

But before you go anywhere, you should ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.

The six-month MOT exemption for cars, vans and motorcycles introduced during the coronavirus pandemic ends on August 1.

Essential checks include making sure that your tyres are at the right pressure and that the walls and treads are in good condition, all your lights are still working and that you can see clearly through the windows and in the mirrors.

To that end, make sure you have plenty of screen wash in the filler tank and, while you’re under the bonnet, check that the engine oil and radiator coolant levels are good, said the RAC.

A car’s battery, brakes, air con and fuel systems can also present problems if the vehicle has been unused for a long time.

Green Flag pointed out that taking your pride and joy for a 20 to 30-minute run can help prevent the battery going flat, stop the air con system developing leaks and let tyres recover from “flat spots” where they have been in one position too long.

You’ll also need to watch out for brakes sticking and corrosion, and juice problems as petrol and diesel can degrade when left for long periods. Don’t worry if your brakes are noisy at first – superficial rust on the discs will soon clear after you apply them gently.

GEM’s Neil Worth said: “A key step to regaining confidence is to make sure you enjoy your journeys. After all, if you enjoy it then you should naturally feel confident while doing it.

“Think about the freedom your car offers you, plan your trips to lovely places, give yourself plenty of time, concentrate, be courteous and take things as they come.”