Everyone has a role to play in sharing the road safely. This begins by understanding that all road users have a right to stay safe. Knowing how to show consideration to other road users is important. Here are five top tips for sharing the road safely.
Respect the speed limit and slow down in urban areas. Be careful at intersections and junctions and be prepared to give way.
Making sure you are visible to others is important, as is letting others know your intended actions. Signal your plan to turn or change lanes well in advance to give other road users time to prepare.
The lack of dedicated infrastructure can leave cyclists vulnerable to impact and injury. Be aware of bicycle paths and look out for cyclists at intersections and junctions. Ensure you leave a safe passing distance when overtaking cyclists.
Stay focused on the road ahead and be alert to everything around you. Pay particular attention to cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who are the most vulnerable on the road. Avoid distractions such as mobile phones which affect attention and increase crash risk.
Larger vehicles have larger blind spots so be mindful that drivers of these vehicles might not be able to see you in their mirrors. Large vehicles also need more road space to turn so give them plenty of space and be prepared to stop and wait if they need to maneuver.
The FIA SDC is a global challenge that rewards smart, safe, and eco-friendly driving. It encourages drivers to think about how they can make their driving smarter, through techniques such as planning their route, adjusting their driving to suit the weather conditions, and always keeping a safe following distance. It even measures and helps improve levels of focus and observation.
The challenge was created by the FIA in collaboration with Greater Than, to encourage everyday motorists to adopt smarter, cleaner, and safer driving behavior.
Read more about the challenge here.
