On the Road – Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Distractions, seatbelts, speed and alcohol or drugs are the four main reasons why people are killed or badly hurt in road traffic collisions, but they’re all avoidable.

Keeping our community safe on the roads is our top priority – whether you’re behind the wheel, riding a motorbike, cycling, or walking.

Follow our essential road safety tips to help you stay safe and protect others on the road:

Distractions can be deadly as well as cost you your licence. Using your mobile phone behind the wheel (even if you are stationary) would result in six penalty points and a large fine.

Seatbelts save lives. It only takes a second to buckle up, but not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Don’t risk it – always wear your seatbelt.

Speed should always be appropriate for your road, weather, and traffic conditions. To ensure you stick to the speed limit, use cruise control, plan extra travel time for your journey, install a black box and avoid tailgating.

Alcohol or drugs in your system can slow reaction times and impair judgment, even if you’re within legal limits. It takes about one hour for your body to process one unit of alcohol. For more info on alcohol and drugs, visit Talk to Frank.

Find out more about vehicle maintenance and winter driving.

Vehicle Maintenance

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to keep your vehicle well-maintained and safe for the road. The depth of your tyre tread is crucial for ensuring your safety, especially in wet conditions. The minimum legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. Not sure how to check your tyre tread? It’s easy – just grab a 20-pence piece and spend two minutes watching this Tyresafe video…

Winter Driving

Winter driving presents unique challenges that you won’t encounter during other seasons.

Road conditions can be unpredictable, and hazards are more prevalent, but with a little preparation, you can stay safe.
Keeping a winter emergency kit in your car is always a smart idea. Visit the AA Winter Car Essentials Checklist for a detailed guide.

Is your vehicle ready for winter? Remember the acronym P-O-W-D-E-R-Y:

Petrol (or Diesel): Make sure you don’t run out of fuel.

Oil: Check levels monthly to ensure smooth operation.

Water: Inspect radiators and top up your screen wash regularly.

Damage: Examine wipers, lights, and other essential parts for wear or damage.

Electrics: Ensure lights, indicators, and controls are functioning properly.

Rubber: Check that your tyres are inflated, legal, and free from damage, with good tread depth.

You: Are you fit to drive? Get enough rest, and be mindful of any medications that may affect your driving.

Driving in harsh weather can be mentally exhausting, so plan regular breaks to refresh and reassess road conditions throughout your journey.

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