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With Road Safety Week upon us, Perrys Motor Sales on Walton Road, Farlington, is urging drivers to remember the importance of safe driving in keeping themselves and other roads users safe this coming winter.
"Driving requires concentration and preparation at all times," commented Bob Wright, General Manager, of Perrys Portsmouth. "Road Safety Week provides an ideal opportunity to re-affirm the importance of good driving, not only for personal safety, but for pedestrian safety as well."
While the importance of road safety has long been understood, the statistics show a different practise. Bob continued: "It's sad to think that, even with all the advances in technology and safety awareness campaigns, child fatalities on the roads have increased by 20% since 2005. Awareness, anticipation and concentration, are of vital importance if we are to reduce fatalities, injuries and accidents on our region's roads."
With this in mind, Perrys has set out the following guide to keep you and other road users safe:
1. Approximately seven children are killed or seriously injured every day on Britain's roads. With the nights drawing in be extra vigilant as visibility is often reduced and pedestrians are that bit harder to see.
2. If there is someone waiting, stop at pelican crossings, it's the law. In a recent survey undertaken by the BBC, a large proportion of drivers failed too stop.
3. When driving through a built-up area keep an eye out for pedestrians or cyclists who may be hidden from view and try to anticipate the situation.
4. Concentrate and don't multi-task. Eating, drinking and smoking all distract you – and could be the difference between noticing that pedestrian or cyclist and not.
5. Take extra care around schools and slow down. Recent government studies show that reducing your speed to 20mph considerably reduces the risk of fatality or serious injury in a collision.
Of course being aware of other road users is only half the battle. As the nights draw in, Perrys is urging drivers to be aware of the following, in order to be better prepared on the region's roads.
1. Winter puts additional pressure on your car so keep it in tiptop condition. Check fluid levels regularly; ensure tyres pressure levels are correct; check wiper blades are not split; make sure there are no cracks in the windscreen and make sure all exterior lights are working, including indicators.
2. Plan for the journey ahead and leave enough time to complete it at a safe and responsible speed. Don't rush, accidents and pedestrian fatalities are often caused through excessive speed. No meeting is more important than yours or someone else's life.
3. Anticipate the situation and be an intelligent driver. Leave extra room between yourself and other motorists, especially in rain, snow, ice or fog. Take it steady and remember you are better off arriving late than never!
4. Calm Down. Getting wound up at other road users won't get you to your destination any faster. What it will do is make you more likely to take a risk or lose concentration which can inevitably lead to an accident, which is definitely not worth the risk.
5. It's winter, so be prepared. Ensure that you have the 'in-car essentials': A mobile phone, energy food, spare cash, essential medication, baby supplies (if needed), warm clothing or blankets, a first aid kit, jump leads, tow rope, torch with spare batteries, spare fuel can and an up-to-date atlas.
Bob added: "Remember, whether you are walking, cycling or driving – be responsible. Don't pin your safety on an assumption that others will act responsibly, act responsibly yourself."
If you want to make sure your car is in tip-top condition for winter, pop into Perrys on Walton Road, Farlington. Alternatively call 02392 314214 for more information.
Go to our home page here Perrys of Portsmouth Peugeot
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