Gold Coast Mum presents this article in partnership with GC Traffic Lawyers
The holiday season has a strange effect on many
motorists, and not in a good way.
Perhaps it’s the season’s cheerful aura
that makes them forget or ignore basic road rules, or perhaps it’s the fact
that there are many more people on the roads that makes the place seem even
more dangerous than normal.
Whatever the reason, the accident rate
spirals at this time of year, so it is important to remember a few things to keep
you safe this holiday season.
Try Proactive Legal Advice
If you’re really worried about staying safe
this season, be proactive and brush up on the current rules, regulations and
responsibilities you carry as a driver. You could visit the website of a traffic
law firm such as GCTraffic Lawyers for some additional information to get you
on your way, or just pull out a road rule book for a bit of a refresher. You’ll
be amazed at how many basic regulations you may have forgotten.
Use Common Sense
Don’t do something stupid. It sounds simple
enough advice, but many accidents are caused by drivers doing silly things.
Human instinct is a powerful force, and many people rue the day they decide to
ignore the little warning signals in their head and take the risk anyway.
If a
manoeuvre in your car seems dangerous, it probably is. If there is a nagging word
of caution in your head to be careful, follow it. To be safe, you need to be
smart.
Be Courteous to other Drivers
Be nice to fellow road users. If you can
let a car in to the line of traffic, do so.
Don’t rush other drivers and force them to
make mistakes. Showing a bit of courtesy can go a long way towards a safe and
pleasant journey. And you will find that displaying courtesy to others will
return courteous behaviour in kind.
Follow the Speed Limits
We’ve all heard and seen the road safety
advertisements – speed kills. One of the greatest killers on the roads is
speeding, so much so that law enforcement more than doubles on the roads at
holiday time.
It is important to understand that speed limits are well thought out and there
for a reason, not just to randomly slow you down.
Engineers have worked out the
safe speeds you can do, and you are advised to respect them.
Have Rules in Your Car
Depending on your age and experience, the
antics of passengers in your car can have a detrimental effect on your driving.
Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers.
It is quite reasonable to set rules in your car to stop your passengers doing
silly things that may distract you. Don’t feel embarrassed – safety comes
first. And anyway, it’s your car, so you can set any limits you want. (Though
it may be hard to get the little people in your life to abide by such rules).
Safety on the roads over the holiday period
is everyone’s responsibility. You can’t stop others from doing stupid and
dangerous things, but you can modify your own driving behaviour to at least take
away some of the risks.
Have a safe and happy Christmas/festive season!
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Great tips for all through the year, but especially at Christmas time with so many people rushing around. Thanks again for joining in my Christmas Link Party
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