ESB Safe Driving Bureau

10 driving tips for the New Year

1. Drivers rarely crash into things they've seen. So, the more visible you can make your vehicle in terms of lights and road position, the less likely you are to be hit.



2. As an experiment, count how long (in seconds) you usually brake on the approach to a roundabout or junction. Try doubling this time and see the effect it has in creating more space between you and the vehicle behind.



3. Signals (e.g. indicators) only show your intention to do something; they do not confer a right to do it. Remember the only thing another driver's flashing indicator light tells you is that the bulb is working!



4. "Round town, windows down." There are occasions that as a driver in a high-risk urban area, we might just hear something before we see it. Consider leaving the driver's window open slightly to obtain an early audible warning.



5. As a general rule, at motorway speeds, if you can read the licence plate of the vehicle in front of you, you are too close. Drop back.



6. Skid marks on the road surface (look for them near junctions, crossings, etc.) suggest that some other driver narrowly avoided a collision. Look to see what might have happened and try to avoid it yourself.



7. Most road users are blissfully unaware of the real relevance of road markings and therefore tend to ignore them. As a rule of thumb, the more paint there is, there more danger there is.



8. In built-up areas or areas of higher risk, consider using a lower gear than normal. You'll find that the vehicle is more responsive to accelerator input and less likely to creep up over the posted speed limits.



9. On the open road, don't slavishly follow the wheels of the vehicle in front. If it's safe, experiment with your road position to gain a better view of the road and vehicles ahead.



10. Unless you have super powers, you can't control weather, road or traffic conditions. So try to adopt the mindset that "a journey takes as long as it takes." It does wonders for the stress levels!

Safe Driving survey will help develop the right programmes

During December and January, a survey commissioned by ESB Safe Driving Bureau is being conducted to develop a picture of staff attitudes, perceptions and behaviours in relation to road safety, commuting and driving on business in Ireland and abroad.

Findings from the research will be used to develop a number of safety programmes and initiatives for staff-whether travelling on business or privately and whether travelling by car, fleet vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle.

The confidential survey, which is being conducted by an independent body i.e. Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, will randomly target over 1000 staff and will be distributed by post to your work location.

Topics covered include: modes of commuting to and from work; driving on ESB Business; driving outside the island of Ireland and other driving-related issues.Closing date for returns is January 31st.

If you receive a survey, please complete and return it ASAP. Thanks!

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